The Justice Department recently announced it will drop a federal lawsuit against a Louisiana petrochemical plant linked to increased cancer risks in a predominantly Black community. This decision reflects the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to reshape federal environmental enforcement, moving away from policies established under President Biden.
The lawsuit, which had been in place for two years, targeted the Denka Performance Elastomer plant in LaPlace, Louisiana. The Biden administration had accused the plant of emitting dangerous levels of chloroprene, a chemical associated with significant health risks, particularly for children. The case was filed in early 2023, and a trial was set for April.
On Wednesday, the Justice Department officially withdrew the case. Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson emphasized the department’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws fairly and without bias. The EPA, under its new leader Lee Zeldin, also rescinded its referral of the case, aligning with a broader shift away from using "environmental justice" as a tool for enforcement.
Denka, which acquired the former DuPont facility a decade ago, welcomed the dismissal. The company described the lawsuit as an unwarranted attack on its operations, arguing that it lacked scientific support. Denka stated that it has made significant strides in reducing emissions since it took over the plant.
The Denka facility is located in an area known as "Cancer Alley," a stretch of Louisiana that has a high concentration of petrochemical plants and a troubling history of health issues among local residents. The region is home to about 200 industrial operations and accounts for a large portion of the nation’s petrochemical production.
The decision to drop the lawsuit marks a significant shift in the federal government’s approach to environmental regulation, particularly in communities that have long faced the impacts of industrial pollution. As the Trump administration continues to roll back the previous administration’s environmental policies, the future of environmental justice efforts remains uncertain.