Federal Court Reviews Environmental Racism Lawsuit in Louisiana Parish

The lawsuit alleges discriminatory land-use policies in St. James Parish, placing polluting industries in majority-Black communities.

Community groups claim St. James Parish intentionally located industrial facilities in predominantly Black areas, sparing white neighborhoods from environmental harm.
The lawsuit, initially dismissed on procedural grounds, is being reconsidered under the 'continuing violations' doctrine due to ongoing discriminatory practices.
St. James Parish, part of the heavily industrialized 'Cancer Alley,' is accused of civil rights violations rooted in historical racial injustices.
Plaintiffs seek a halt to further industrial development and demand real-time pollution monitoring and buffer zones for residential areas.
Local activists have engaged with the Biden administration to address environmental racism concerns, highlighting the case as part of broader federal efforts.