Environmental racism remains a pressing issue in the United States, highlighted by a series of modern-day examples that underscore systemic inequalities.
Houston Reaches Settlement with DOJ over Environmental Justice Violations in Illegal Dumping Case
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Houston have reached a voluntary agreement to settle an environmental justice complaint regarding alleged discriminatory practices in response to illegal dumping in Black and Latino neighborhoods. The settlement, announced on June 9, requires Houston to address illegal dumping through its new One Clean Houston initiative, engage in community outreach, undergo federal monitoring and data collection for three years, and develop an enforcement and educational plan. While some community organizers view the settlement as a significant step toward eliminating illegal dumping, others remain skeptical about the long-term effectiveness of the agreement. The DOJ investigation was prompted by a complaint filed in 2022 on behalf of residents in a predominantly Black and Latino neighborhood, who reported frequent instances of illegal dumping and the subsequent health hazards. Houston's One Clean Houston plan aims to expedite cleanups, enhance enforcement, and allocate more resources to prevention and education.
A lawsuit filed by a coalition of advocates and inmates against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) over extreme temperatures in state prisons
President Joe Biden has announced the opening of applications for the American Climate Corps, aiming to enlist 20,000 individuals in its inaugural year.
Reuters reports that the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will announce its plan on May 13 to expedite the development of long-distance transmission lines to accom
Over $300 million is being directed towards addressing the migrant crisis while longstanding issues of poverty in their communities have been overlooked for decades.
Newsweek reports that the National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center forecasts a months-long drought in western Texas, exacerbating concerns about water scarcity.
The activism of Black-led environmental organizations, such as Outdoor Afro and Justice Outside, in combating environmental racism and advocating for marginalized communities
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has granted Houston an extension to utilize or reimburse $5.7 billion earmarked for Hurricane Harvey housing recovery
Efforts by the Texas Land Office and Houston City Council to locate 900 households owed relocation assistance due to the buyout of four low-income housing complexes following Hurr
A new study published in Nature revealing that climate change-induced extreme weather events could lead to a substantial reduction of approximately 19% in global income by 2050.
Daji Aswad reports on the launch of a pollution tracker by Lone Star Legal Aid, enabling Houston residents to report environmental issues directly.
FEMA's enforcement of the 50 percent rule, which mandates the rebuilding of flood-damaged homes above flood level, has sparked controversy in Lee County, Florida.
Yahoo Finance, delves into the natural gas surplus gripping the US, particularly in Texas.
As preparations for COP29 ramp up, the debate over the financial commitments of wealthy nations to support developing countries in decarbonization and disaster recovery intensifie
The United States Department of Justice issued an amicus brief supporting claims from a Wisconsin tribe that Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline is trespassing on tribal lands.