"The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will investigate possible racial discrimination in Alabama’s management of funds that can be used to bolster sewage infrastructure.

In a notice issued Tuesday, the Biden administration said it will look into whether the state excludes residents from participating in its water infrastructure program or denies them benefits on the basis of race.

The decision comes after civil rights and environmental groups accused Alabama of discriminating against Black residents through the management of its clean water funds.

Their complaint states that Alabama makes it “impossible for people who need help with onsite sanitation to access this money” — a problem that “disproportionately harm[s] Alabama’s Black residents.”"

Rachel Frazin reports for The Hill October 4, 2023. [2]