US Judge Tosses Lawsuit Alleging Environmental Racism In St. James Parish

"Dismissal on procedural grounds will likely spur appeal by community groups"

"A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit alleging St. James Parish used discriminatory land use policies to steer polluting industries to majority-Black communities.

The lawsuit was tossed out on procedural grounds, with U.S. District Court Judge Carl Barbier ruling that it was filed by community groups several years too late.

“Although plaintiffs’ claims are procedurally deficient, this court cannot say that their claims lack a basis in fact or rely on a meritless legal theory,” Barbier wrote in his Nov. 16 decision."

Tristan Baurick reports for the New Orleans Times-Picayune December 1, 2023.