June 9, 2023 by Clarissa Ayala
Lone Star Legal Aid Secures Groundbreaking Environmental Justice Settlement for Super Neighborhood 48 in Collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice
Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is pleased to announce a significant environmental justice settlement achieved in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on behalf of Super Neighborhood 48, encompassing Trinity Gardens and Houston Gardens. This groundbreaking agreement is a major step forward in protecting underserved communities and their rights to a healthy and sustainable environment.
Super Neighborhood 48’s Title VI Complaint sought various improvements, including park upgrades, increased city services and employees, the establishment and enforcement of ordinances and regulations, infrastructure enhancements, and economic development initiatives.
The settlement addresses long-standing concerns about the disproportionate impact of illegal environmental practices on marginalized communities. LSLA played a vital role in representing and advocating for affected individuals and communities, working tirelessly to protect their rights and achieve a fair outcome.
The settlement includes comprehensive measures to rectify the environmental harm and provide relief to the affected communities, such as:
- Remediation efforts: The City of Houston will take extensive action to mitigate adverse environmental impacts, restoring the affected areas to their original condition and ensuring a healthier and safer environment.
- Community resources and support: Significant resources will be dedicated to enhancing community well-being, including programs for community development, job training initiatives, and improved access to healthcare and education. These measures aim to uplift the affected communities and foster long-term resilience.
- Environmental education and awareness: In collaboration with LSLA, the settlement includes provisions for comprehensive environmental education programs that empower residents with knowledge and tools to actively participate in safeguarding their environment. These initiatives promote environmental justice, community engagement, and sustainable practices.
In March 2023, the City of Houston introduced the One Clean Houston initiative, which focuses on rapid cleanup, strengthened enforcement, and prevention and education efforts. The environmental justice settlement not only confirms the City’s commitment to One Clean Houston but also incorporates several important provisions:
- Three-Year Federal Monitoring: A three-year period of federal monitoring is established to ensure ongoing compliance with the agreed-upon measures and track progress in addressing environmental issues.
- Data Reporting Obligations: The City is obligated to provide regular reports on its activities and progress in addressing environmental concerns. These reports will assess the effectiveness of the implemented measures and identify areas for improvement.
- Enhanced Community Outreach: The agreement emphasizes proactive engagement with neighborhoods affected by environmental issues, including residents with limited English proficiency, to ensure their voices are heard and their specific needs are addressed.
- Combating Commercial Sources of Illegal Dumping: The City will explore additional actions to combat commercial sources of illegal dumping, aiming to reduce the environmental harm caused by improper waste disposal.
- Reducing Restrictions on Waste Depositories: Efforts will be made to reduce restrictions for residents seeking to use waste depositories, promoting proper waste disposal and responsible environmental practices within the community.
- Federal Civil Rights Training: A federal civil rights training program will be implemented for specified City employees, promoting understanding and adherence to civil rights principles and ensuring fair treatment and equitable access to environmental resources for all residents.
These provisions reflect the comprehensive nature of the agreement and the commitment to advancing environmental justice, community engagement, and sustainable practices in the affected neighborhoods.
Huey, President of SN48, commented: “We are excited that the Department of Justice compelled the City of Houston to create the One Clean Houston Plan to address our long-standing illegal dumping issues in black and brown communities. We are looking forward to providing support to the Department of Justice’s ongoing monitoring of the issue through continued community engagement.”
By championing the voices of those affected, LSLA has played a critical role in securing a just resolution that addresses environmental concerns and promotes equitable access to a clean and safe environment for all.
For more information about Lone Star Legal Aid and its involvement in this environmental justice settlement, please contact us at media@lonestarlegal.org.
About Lone Star Legal Aid:
Lone Star Legal Aid is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free civil legal services to low-income individuals and underserved communities. With a mission to ensure equal access to justice, LSLA offers legal assistance and advocacy in areas such as housing, employment, healthcare, and environmental justice. Through its comprehensive services, LSLA strives to empower individuals, protect their rights, and create lasting positive change in the communities it serves.
Note to Editors:
Please find additional information and resources about Lone Star Legal Aid on our website: www.lonestarlegal.org
