Landmark Environmental Racism Case to Be Heard by Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals


Industrial plants emitting a lot of air pollution

On Monday, October 7, a pivotal case addressing environmental racism will come before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The lawsuit, filed by Inclusive Louisiana, Mount Triumph Baptist Church, and RISE St. James, challenges decades of alleged discriminatory land use practices by the St. James Parish Council. These practices, the plaintiffs argue, have disproportionately placed heavy industrial facilities and high-polluting petrochemical plants in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

The case seeks to hold the parish council accountable for this pattern of environmental discrimination and demands an end to new industrial sitings in these communities. Additionally, the plaintiffs are pushing for remediation measures to address the harm already caused by these facilities.

The hearing represents a critical moment in the fight against environmental racism in the region, providing an opportunity for long-overdue accountability. The outcome could have significant implications for the residents of St. James Parish and set a precedent for similar cases nationwide.

Plaintiffs, including local leaders such as Gail LeBouef, Co-Founder of Inclusive Louisiana, and Barbara Washington, Co-Founder of Inclusive Louisiana, have long advocated for the protection of their communities from industrial pollution. Pastor Harry Joseph, Vice President of Rural Roots Louisiana, also joins in the fight, demanding justice for the environmental degradation disproportionately affecting Black neighborhoods.

Hearing Details:

  • What: Inclusive Louisiana, Mount Triumph Baptist Church, RISE St. James v. St. James Parish, et al.
  • When: Monday, October 7 at 1:00pm CST / 2:00pm EST
  • Where: United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, 600 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 (En Banc Courtroom)

St. James Parish resident and co-founder of Inclusive Louisiana, Barbara Washington, shared deep concerns about the harmful effects of petrochemical pollution in the community. When asked about the devastation to the community, she highlighted the lack of local businesses and services, underscoring the negative impact industrial pollution has had on the area’s quality of life.

This case is seen as a crucial step in the ongoing battle to prevent further industrial pollution in vulnerable communities and to restore environmental justice in St. James Parish.

For further details, contact Inclusive Louisiana or access the livestream links provided by the organization.

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