External Civil Rights

EPA is committed to making equity, environmental justice, and external civil rights a centerpiece of the agency’s mission. EPA’s Strategic Plan for FY2022-2026 includes “Take Decisive Action to Advance Environmental Justice and Civil Rights” as Strategic Goal 2. See also EPA’s Equity Action Plan.

Pursuant to a permanent injunction issued by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on August 22, 2024, EPA will not impose or enforce any disparate-impact or cumulative-impact-analysis requirements under Title VI against any entity in the State of Louisiana. Click here for additional and updated information.

Complaints Received and Compliance Reviews Initiated Since 2014

How EPA Protects External Civil Rights

Through its Office of External Civil Rights Compliance, the EPA enforces several federal civil rights laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which together, prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin (including limited-English proficiency), disability, sex and age,  including intimidation and retaliation, by applicants for and recipients of financial assistance from EPA. 

Learn about EPA's Office of External Civil Rights Compliance.

EPA Marks 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act

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Last updated on October 22, 2024