State of Louisiana Department of Justice c/o Constituent Services P. O. have been levied for prior non payment. Maite Amorebieta is a senior investigative producer with the NBC News Investigative Unit. Walmart, Target, Home Depot lead pack of retailers emitting millions of pounds of CO2 through shipping, Georgians plead with state officials to protect the Okefenokee from mining. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); A nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. The plant is one of many that activists argue puts undue health risks on Black communities in the area. Box 94005 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 (800) 423-2129 Terms of Use / Privacy Policy Powered By (888) 617-1811 | help@paystar.co DuPont sold the plant to Denka in 2015 in a secretive deal, which the Guardian later revealed was motivated by concerns from DuPont that it would face heavier regulation after the EPAs decision to classify chloroprene as a likely human carcinogen. The Civil Division issues written legal opinions to the governor, the state auditor, the state treasurer, state boards, agencies and commissions, the district attorneys of the state, and parish and municipal governing authorities. Executive Department: Louisiana Public Defender Board: Darrilyn Favorite: Karen Smith: 124: 01-124: Executive Department: Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District: Darrilyn Favorite: Karen Smith: 129: 01-129: Executive Department: Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement & Administration of Criminal Justice: Emily VanNatta: Karen Smith: 130: 03 . A lock ( That year, the agency published data indicating that the risk of developing cancer from air pollution in the census tract closest to Denka was nearly 50 times the national average, a result of the plants chloroprene emissions. Be the first to find out about the latest legal news, updates, tips, and other information. The Justice Departments environmental justice efforts require ensuring that every community, no matter its demographics, can breathe clean air and drink clean water. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. After the visit, Regan sent a letter to Denka urging executives to take steps to reduce the threat to those living in the surrounding towns of Laplace and Reserve. Fifth Ward Elementary School and residential neighborhoods near the Denka Performance Elastomer Plant in Louisiana. All data contained on U.S. Government information systems is owned by the U.S. Government and may, for the purpose of protecting the rights and property of the U.S. Government, be monitored, intercepted, recorded, read, searched, copied, or captured in any manner and disclosed or used for any lawful government purpose at any time. ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. For Credit Card transactions, a state charge of the greater of $2.00 or 2.5% of the total transaction will be added to your invoice in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 49:316.1 The complaint asserts that the LaPlace plants operations present an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health and welfare due to the cancer risks from Denkas chloroprene emissions. The Department of Justice receives hundreds of legal questionsevery year from state and local authorities, resulting in opinions that carry significant weight in the legal community. The information you will enter will remain private. When I visited Saint John the Baptist Parish during my first Journey to Justice tour, I pledged to the community that EPA would take strong action to protect the health and safety of families from harmful chloroprene pollution from the Denka facility, said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. The revelations were part of a years-long Guardian series examining air pollution in Reserve and throughout Cancer Alley. Now, the DOJ has filed a complaint to compel Denka to further reduce its hazardous emissions. The move marks a significant escalation of the Biden administrations enforcement action in the Cancer Alley region, and was instantly hailed by members of the predominantly Black community around the plant as a major victory in their ongoing campaign for clean air. Unauthorized or improper use of this information system is prohibited and may subject you to disciplinary action, as well as civil and criminal penalties. The department will issue paper checks to all taxpayers submitting completed vouchers by the Oct. 6 deadline. THERE IS NO RIGHT TO PRIVACY IN THIS SYSTEM. These payments must be made to your U. S. District Court Clerks Office. The Civil Division represents the State of Louisiana, its departments and agencies, boards and commissions, and statewide elected officials. Known as one of the greenest commercial buildings in the world, since it opened its doors on Earth Day in 2013 the Bullitt Center has been setting a new standard for sustainable design. This action is not the first step we have taken to reduce risks to the people living in St John the Baptist Parish, and it will not be the last.. The only newsroom focused on exploring solutions at the intersection of climate and justice. Taxpayers can minimize delays in receiving their refunds by updating their contact information with LDR. The complaint, first reported by NBC News, was filed Tuesday in the U.S. District . The treasurer also serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission, which centralizes and administers state debt. If you have any questions call the DOJ Consolidated Debt Collection System (CDCS) Help Desk at 1-800-683-6567. In a statement, associate attorney general Vanita Gupta said: The justice departments environmental justice efforts require ensuring that every community, no matter its demographics, can breathe clean air and drink clean water. highest cancer risk rates caused by air pollution in the US, Pontchartrain Works facility in Reserve, Louisiana, enforcement action in the Cancer Alley region, during a site visit to Reserve in November 2021, were part of a years-long Guardian series. The Louisiana Department of Revenue provides for secured payment of returns through use of credit card vendors. This action is not the first step we have taken to reduce risks to the people living in Saint John the Baptist Parish, and it will not be the last., We allege that Denkas emissions have led to unsafe concentrations of carcinogenic chloroprene near homes and schools in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. The lawsuit also names a subsidiary of the US chemicals giant DuPont, which constructed the Pontchartrain Works facility as a neoprene plant and operated it for over half a century. DuPont is a necessary party to ensure there are no delays in any actions that Denka is ordered to take to reduce its chloroprene emissions as a result of the rights DuPont holds under its lease agreement with Denka. transactions of this sort, is completed through third part vendors (Official Payments Corp. and Payment Tech, Inc.). Twitter, Follow us on Denka Performance Elastomer, a synthetic rubber manufacturing plant owned by a Japanese company of the same name, is located half a mile from an elementary school in St. John the Baptist Parish, where the air is laced with toxic chemicals emitted by dozens of different industrial facilities and more than 60 percent of residents are Black. Director: Joe Picone More Elizabeth Chuck is a reporter for NBC News who focuses on health and mental health, particularly issues that affect women and children. Separately, the two groups sued the EPA for missing a deadline to update its regulations for neoprene manufacturing plants. Chief Deputy Attorney General: Bill Stiles, Communications Disaster Fraud Hotline: Report fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, Felon Sentenced to 65 Months for Federal Gun Charge, Florida Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession With Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Methamphetamine, Dr. Charles J. Southall, III Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Money Laundering, Obtaining Over $889,000 Through Fraud, New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy, Carjacking, and Weapons Violations, Honduran National Indicted for Illegal Re-Entry. The Louisiana Department of Revenue recently began a cooperative project with all other state agencies that provides for suspension and revocation of licenses and permits previously issued to taxpayers that have failed to meet their tax obligations. Director: Chris Hebert, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation If you received one of the letters but havent responded yet, simply complete and return the attached voucher to LDR. This complaint filed against Denka delivers on that promise, Regan said. EPA is taking an unprecedented step deviating from its permitting and rulemaking authorities to allege an emergency based on outdated and erroneous science the agency released over 12 years ago, the statement said. What should I do if I believe I have paid this debt? St. Charles Parish Waterworks 301 Third Street Luling, LA 70070 985-783-5110 http://stcharlesparish-la.gov/ Need Help Paying? The remaining approximately $9.5 million in funds will be transferred by law to the Unclaimed Property Division of the state treasurers office later this month if not claimed by Oct. 6. The complaint also names DuPont Specialty Products USA LLC the owner of the land beneath Denkas facility and Denkas landlord. Louisiana File Online allows taxpayers to: Taxpayers may also submit their returns using commercially available tax preparation software, or with printed state returns available at www.revenue.louisiana.gov/Forms. Director: Millard Mul, Gaming The company added that it "remains committed to identifying and implementing additional emission reductions where possible.". Box 94005 Baton Rouge, LA 708049005 (225) 326-6079. EPA administrator Michael Regan said in a statement that he had promised strong action for community members during a site visit to Reserve in November 2021. Should you choose this option, you can expect Have a question about Government Services? The Civil Division represents the State of Louisiana, its departments and agencies, boards and commissions, and statewide elected officials. Emissions reductions at Denka has been one of our top priorities at LDEQ, and EPAis nowbuilding on the steps LDEQ took five years ago and our continuing efforts to reduce chloroprene emissions from the Denka facility, said LDEQ Secretary Dr. Chuck Carr Brown. 650 Poydras Street, Suite 1600 EPA is finally treating this health crisis for what it isan emergency. What remains to be seen, she told Grist in an email, is how much and how fast it will be enforced. JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. The complaint, first reported by NBC News, was filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court for Eastern Louisiana on behalf of the EPA under the Clean Air Act. BATON ROUGE Thousands of Louisiana taxpayers have until Thursday, Oct. 6 to claim millions of dollars in state income tax refunds before the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) transfers them to the states Unclaimed Property fund. And either they use their money and do it right or face the power of the EPA., Cancer and chemicals in Reserve, Louisiana: the science explained, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. According to EPA calculations in the suit, current chloroprene emissions present a risk that is especially grave for infants and children under the age of 16. Eastern District of Louisiana Louisiana Department of Justice 176 followers 3w Today, Dennis Perkins admitted to his despicable crimes and pled guilty in court. But on-site inspections by the EPA in April and May 2022 found that Denkawas not meeting regulatory requirements for the storage and disposal of chloroprene waste, which contributes to emissions of chloroprene from the plant. Be the first to find out about the latest legal news, updates, tips, and other information. On Feb. 28, 2023, the Department of Justice and Environmental Protection Agency filed a lawsuit against the . A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. WASHINGTON - Today, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in coordination with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint under Section 303 of the Clean Air Act against Denka Performance Elastomer LLC (Denka) to compel Denka to significantly reduce hazardous chloroprene emissions from its . On Tuesday, residents and advocates celebrated the news, describing it as justice long overdue. are NOT included in the balance due to LDR. The Justice Departments complaint was made under Section 303 of the Clean Air Act, which provides the EPA with the authority to address conditions that present an imminent and substantial endangerment to the publics health. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The re-opening of the office provides the area with a vital resource for the resolution of a wide range of state tax matters, in addition to any business they might have with the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, which will have staff assigned there.. Your support keeps our unbiased, nonprofit news free. The Denka Performance Elastomer plant in LaPlace, Louisiana, along the Mississippi River, is the only facility in the U.S. that produces chloroprene, a chemical used in the production of neoprene. Administrative Services Coordinates the departments budget, legislative affairs, and department planning and performance. The action raises the stakes in a longstanding conflict between the Louisiana plant, nearby residents and the Environmental Protection Agency. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The US justice department has sued the two petrochemical giants behind a facility in Louisianas Cancer Alley responsible for the highest cancer risk rates caused by air pollution in the US in a major federal lawsuit that seeks to substantially curb the plants emissions. The EPA said it found during an investigation that state agencies had failed to provide residents with information about the cancer risks associated with chloroprene levels in the area, among other problems. BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) will resume full walk-in customer service for individual and business taxpayers in northeast Louisiana with the re-opening of the LDR Monroe Regional Office. Its litigation reflects the diversity of government activities, involving, for example, the defense of challenges to state programs, actions and laws; debt collection owed to the state; and protection of the states natural resources, lands and water bottoms. Justice.gov; News; The lawyers and staff in our office work hard every day to defend our national security, improve the safety and quality of life in all our communities through enforcement of federal laws, and protect the public funds of the United States. ; otherwise, An official website of the United States government. The lawsuit contains further details of the plants recent chloroprene emissions, which fell after Denka constructed emissions offset technology after its purchase of the plant, but still remains dangerously high and in some locations 14 times over the recommended exposure limit. 36:703. AG Jeff Landry: Be cautious of where you place your bets to ensure you protect your information, receive fair odds, and get paid when you win. In 2010, EPA published its peer-reviewed assessment of chloroprene that concluded that chloroprene is likely to be carcinogenic to humans. Approximately 20% of the total population living within two-and-a-half miles of Denka are children under the age of 18, and between about 800-1,000 are children under the age of five. That 2021 test, which was not a formal study, found levels approximately four times above the EPAs recommended maximum annual average chloroprene concentration. Chloroprene is a liquid raw material used to produce neoprene and is emitted into the air from various areas at the facility. Member Address Seat Information; Landry, Jeffrey M. "Jeff" The facility is the only site in the US to emit the compound, which is a primary constituent of the synthetic rubber neoprene. For ACH transactions, a state charge of $2.00 will be added to your invoice in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 49:316.1. Please update your browser to ensure your payment is secure. . So far, approximately 4,000 have responded to claim their refunds. Powered by Paystar. Please use this form to make your Dept of Justice Civil Debt payments only. Louisiana Bureau of Investigation Provides follow-up investigation services for the Criminal Division; responds to requests for investigative assistance from government agencies, including the apprehension of fugitives; and provides investigative services in cyber crimes, white collar crimes, and public corruption. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns at collectionsinfo@ag.louisiana.gov or by phone at 225-326-6550 or 1-800-423-2129. EPA administrator gives update on commitment to curbing pollution in communities of color. DuPont still owns the land beneath Denkas facility so is also named in the DOJ complaint. ART4: 8 &13 R.S. The EPA's Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights in part blames state agencies; In an October letter, it wrote that the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the Louisiana Department of Health's failure to pursue stronger action against Denka disproportionately exposed Black residents to harmful air pollutants. For paper returns, the refund processing time is up to 14 weeks. The material was invented by scientists at Dupont, the American chemical giant that owns the complex where Denka operates, and that sold it the neoprene plant in 2015. As part of our commitment to sustainability, in 2021 Grist moved its office headquarters to the Bullitt Center in Seattles vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood. Director: Mike Dupree. The Denka Performance Elastomer Plant in Louisiana. Donate today to keep our climate news free. To set up payment arrangements, please contact ODR at 225-219-2188 or 844-330-6176. Reader support helps sustain our work. You have accessed a U.S. Government information system, which includes (1) this computer, (2) this network, (3) all computers connected to this network, and (4) all devices and storage media attached to this network or to a computer on this network. Facebook, Follow us on In total, those changes have cost more than $35 million, the company said in its statement. Your dealings with us should be as quick and painless as possible. YouTube, Follow us on The Fifth Ward elementary school and residential neighborhoods sit near the Denka plant, back left, in Reserve, Louisiana. Over the years, Denka has committed to taking steps to reduce the plant's emissions. Please click here to see any active alerts. 1999-2023 Grist Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. 49:251.1, the Department of Justice has provided training for Louisiana's justices of the peace and constables each year since 1972. 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