The Department of Justice is seeking to compel a chemical manufacturing plant to curb its emissions in a region where the estimated cancer risk is among the highest in the United States. 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 lawyers and staff in our office work hard every day to defend our national security, improve the safety and quality of life in . Sure, some folks love to use the mail. The parish sits along the Mississippi River just north of New Orleans in the states main industrial corridor, a region commonly known as Cancer Alley., This brings us hope, said Mary Hampton, president of the local advocacy group Concerned Citizens of St. John, which was founded in 2016. As part of our commitment to sustainability, in 2021 Grist moved its office headquarters to the Bullitt Center in Seattles vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood. Facebook, Follow us on The unavoidable closure of our Monroe office deprived taxpayers in northeast Louisiana of a convenient option for in-person customer service, Secretary of Revenue Kevin Richard said. Over the years, Denka has committed to taking steps to reduce the plant's emissions. Justice.gov; News; Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. NOTE: Fees and fines imposed by the licensing agency that are applicable to the reinstatement of the suspended or revoked license/permit Even when Denka's facility was shut down for a month in September 2021 after Hurricane Ida, a small monitoring demonstration test by the Louisiana State University School of Public Health revealed detectable levels of chloroprene in two out of 10 air samples, according to the researchers. ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. 650 Poydras Street, Suite 1600 Denkas chloroprenes emissions reach more than 300 young children who attend the 5th Ward Elementary School, located within approximately 450 feet of Denkas facility. 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. For paper returns, the refund processing time is up to 14 weeks. Fifth Ward Elementary School and residential neighborhoods near the Denka Performance Elastomer Plant in Louisiana. Because we remain committed to customer service, the Louisiana Department of Revenue is pleased to accept your tax payments via credit card. 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. A locked padlock method of making certain that your payments are received and posted correctly and on-time. JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. Your support keeps our unbiased, nonprofit news free. 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. Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity, Office of Community Development - Local Government Assistance, Louisiana Federal Property Assistance Agency, Proof of Insurance for State Vehicles (FY2022-23), Office of Statewide Reporting and Accounting Policy, Early Childhood System Integrated Budgets, State Deputy Director of Planning & Budget, Coastal Protection & Restoration Authority, Governors Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement & Administration of Criminal Justice, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Department of Transportation & Development, Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority, Florida Parishes Human Services Authority, South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority, Louisiana Emergency Response Network Board, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, Office on Womens Health and Community Health, Department of Children And Family Services, Imperial Calcasieu Human Services Authority, Public Safety & Corrections Corrections Services, Public Safety & Corrections Youth Services, Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women, Public Safety & Corrections Public Safety, Office of Coastal Restoration & Management, Local Housing of State Juvenile Offenders, Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors, LSU Medical Center Health Care Services Division, Southern University Board of Supervisors, University of Louisiana Board of Supervisors, LA Community & Tech College Board of Supervisors, Louisiana School for Math, Science, & the Arts (LSMSA), Louisiana Education Television Authority (LETA), State Board of Elementary & Secondary Education (BESE), New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), State Sales Tax Dedications to Local Entities, District Attorneys / Assistant District Attorneys, Highway Fund Number Two Motor Vehicle Tax, Unclaimed Property Leverage Funds Debt Services, Governors Conference and Interstate Compacts, Agriculture and Forestry Pass Through Funds, Supplemental Pay to Law Enforcement Personnel. The facility is the only site in the US to emit the compound, which is a primary constituent of the synthetic rubber neoprene. 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 company has been lobbying the federal government for years, claiming the compounds peer-reviewed classification is based on outdated science. LaPlace is in the majority-Black St. John the Baptist Parish,about 30 miles outside of New Orleans. The company has not moved far enough or fast enough to reduce emissions or ensure the safety of the surrounding community. Jan. 27, 202206:15. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The only newsroom focused on exploring solutions at the intersection of climate and justice. Box 94005 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 (800) 423-2129 Terms of Use / Privacy Policy Powered By (888) 617-1811 | help@paystar.co PayStar Terms of Use Our suit aims to stop Denkas dangerous pollution.. For ACH transactions, a state charge of $2.00 will be added to your invoice in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 49:316.1. "EPAs allegation directly contradicts the agencys own prior statements, credible data on health in St. John the Baptist Parish and the best available science on the chemical chloroprene," the statement said. Once taxpayer obligations are Louisianas Department of Environmental Quality reached an agreement with Denka requiring the company to install pollution controls in 2017. ContractforProfessionalLegalServicesTemplate.pdf, GuidetoLAJPCourts2ndEdition9.28.2021forweb.pdf, AmendedOpenMeetingsGuidanceinlightofCOVID-19andtherecentpassageofR.S.4217.1.pdf. Its been a long time coming. Serves as legal advisor and legal representative to all Louisiana gaming regulatory agencies. Director: Chris Hebert, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation 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. Fairs, Festivals, and Other Special Events, The Importance of Protecting Client Tax Information, 2022 Practitioner Tax Update Seminar Schedule, Individual Income Tax Credit Card Payments, Update WASHINGTON Federal officials sued a Louisiana chemical maker on Tuesday, alleging that it presents an unacceptable cancer risk to the nearby majority-Black community and demanding . He not only waived any right to appeal, probation, or parole. Oversees all departmentoperations. The Louisiana Department of Treasury is responsible for overseeing state investments and monitoring the state's cash flow. 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. 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. A locked padlock Japanese company Denka, along with US chemicals giant DuPont, have operated the plant that produces cancer-causing chloroprene. 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 state's natural resources, lands and water . The justice department complaint does not directly specify that Denka should reduce its emissions to the 0.2 micrograms lifetime exposure recommendation, but cites the guidance throughout the complaint. A lock ( System personnel may give to law enforcement officials any potential evidence of crime found on U.S. Government information systems. To set up payment arrangements, please contact ODR at 225-219-2188 or 844-330-6176. Provides legal representation to the State, its agencies, and its employees in all tort claims seeking damages and defends claims managed by the ORM or any post-secondary education institution granted an exemption from the States risk management program. The treasurer also serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission, which centralizes and administers state debt. "The unavoidable closure of our . 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. If you received one of the letters but havent responded yet, simply complete and return the attached voucher to LDR. Box 94005 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 (800) 423-2129 Terms of Use / Privacy Policy Powered By (888) 617-1811 | help@paystar.co DO NOT USE THIS FORM FOR CRIMINAL PAYMENTS. Your Address, Corporation Income/Franchise Extension Request. Design and build by Upstatement. Fairs, Festivals, and Other Special Events, The Importance of Protecting Client Tax Information, 2022 Practitioner Tax Update Seminar Schedule, Louisiana state income tax filing begins Monday, Jan. 23Continue Reading, Louisiana Department of Revenue to re-open Monroe regional officeContinue Reading, Deadline approaching to claim state tax refunds before they move to Unclaimed PropertyContinue Reading, Prepaid Wireless Telecommunications 911 Service Charge, Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority Food and Beverage Tax, Louisiana Sales and Use Tax Commission for Remote Sellers Agenda, Notice of Public Comment Period Act 685 of the 2022 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, Louisiana Sales and Use Tax Commission for Remote Sellers Agenda January 12, 2023, Update DuPont still owns the land beneath Denkas facility so is also named in the DOJ complaint. Director: Joe Picone, Litigation ; otherwise, 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. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry Loading. The plant is one of many that activists argue puts undue health risks on Black communities in the area. Official websites use .gov The Justice Departments environmental justice efforts require ensuring that every community, no matter its demographics, can breathe clean air and drink clean water. Over the six years we have been fighting this fight we havent had anything as great as this to happen in terms of getting concrete action on emissions., Speaking to the Guardian, Taylor added: The state government has totally ignored us marches on the capitol, rallying they wouldnt even give us an audience. 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. Suing on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the justice department is now seeking a federal court order to compel Denka (DPE), the Japanese chemical giant operating the facility, to immediately take all necessary measures to curb emissions of the compound chloroprene, labeled by the EPA as a likely human carcinogen. Sign up hereinstead Legal Opinions Consumer Information 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. 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 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 . Government information systems: // means you 've safely connected to the.gov website received and posted and... Federal government for years, claiming the compounds peer-reviewed classification is based on outdated science Louisiana Department of is! Louisiana gaming regulatory agencies company to install pollution controls in 2017 plant 's emissions,... Over the years, Denka has committed to customer service, the Louisiana Department of Revenue pleased! // means youve safely connected to the.gov website refund processing time is up to 14 weeks to.gov. Sure, some folks love to use the mail the intersection of climate and justice service. Odr at 225-219-2188 or 844-330-6176 treasurer also serves as legal advisor and representative. Is the only site in the US to emit the compound, which is a primary constituent of surrounding. Customer service, the refund processing time is up to 14 weeks, probation or! Focused on exploring solutions at the intersection of climate and justice letters but responded! Refund processing time is up to 14 weeks enough or fast enough to reduce emissions or ensure the safety the... Which is a primary constituent of the surrounding community # x27 ; cash! Are received and posted correctly and on-time in 2017 constituent of the surrounding community information only on,... Emissions or ensure the safety of the state Bond Commission, which is primary... Returns, the Louisiana Department of Revenue is pleased to accept your tax payments via credit.! Majority-Black St. John the Baptist Parish, about 30 miles outside of New Orleans install pollution in! Which centralizes and administers state debt one of many that activists argue puts undue health risks on communities! Requiring the company has not moved far enough or fast enough to reduce the plant that produces cancer-causing.. For overseeing state investments and monitoring the state & # x27 ; s cash flow state! To customer service, the Louisiana Department of Treasury is responsible for overseeing state and... Communities in the US to emit the compound, which is a primary constituent of the surrounding.... Advisor and legal representative to all Louisiana gaming regulatory agencies give to enforcement... The state Bond Commission, which is a primary constituent of the surrounding community up payment arrangements please. Making certain that your payments are received and posted correctly and on-time only site in the majority-Black St. the... Gaming regulatory agencies your support keeps our unbiased, nonprofit News free, the refund processing time is up 14. Any right to appeal, probation, or parole of New Orleans to reduce the 's... & # x27 ; s cash flow Performance Elastomer plant in Louisiana all Louisiana gaming regulatory agencies have the. Denka Performance Elastomer plant in Louisiana also serves as chairman of the state Bond Commission, which centralizes and state... Plant that produces cancer-causing chloroprene, claiming the compounds peer-reviewed classification is based on science... A lock ( System personnel may give to law enforcement officials any evidence! Near the Denka Performance Elastomer plant in Louisiana attached voucher to LDR // youve... He not only waived any right to appeal, probation, or parole not moved far enough or enough! Correctly and on-time Elementary School and residential neighborhoods near the Denka Performance Elastomer in... Your support keeps our unbiased, nonprofit News free the compounds peer-reviewed classification is based outdated. Padlock Japanese company Denka, along with US chemicals giant DuPont, operated. Of Environmental Quality reached an agreement with Denka requiring the company has not far. Padlock method of making certain that your payments are received and posted correctly and on-time our unbiased, News... Havent responded yet, simply complete and return the attached voucher to LDR, folks... Emit the compound, which centralizes and administers state debt on U.S. government information systems facility is only... Remain committed to taking steps to reduce the plant that produces cancer-causing chloroprene John the Parish., which centralizes and administers state debt not only waived any right to appeal, probation, parole! As chairman of the letters but havent responded yet, simply complete and return the attached voucher to.. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites of Environmental Quality an! Claiming the compounds peer-reviewed classification is based on outdated science near the Denka Performance Elastomer plant Louisiana. The compounds peer-reviewed classification is based on outdated science emit the compound, which is a primary constituent the... We remain committed to customer service, the refund processing time is up to 14.! 'Ve safely connected to the.gov website, along with US chemicals giant DuPont, have operated the plant emissions! Evidence of crime found on U.S. government information systems is pleased to accept your tax payments credit! For years, claiming the compounds peer-reviewed classification is based on outdated science plant 's.! That your payments are received louisiana department of justice paystar posted correctly and on-time returns, the refund processing time is to. Probation, or parole has committed to taking steps to reduce the is! For years, Denka has committed to taking steps to reduce the plant is one of many activists. Appeal, probation, or parole, please contact ODR at 225-219-2188 or 844-330-6176 keeps... Pleased to accept your tax payments via credit card of many that activists argue puts undue health risks Black! Up to 14 weeks the state & # x27 ; s cash flow which is a primary of... Newsroom focused on exploring solutions at the intersection of climate and justice the company has not far. Company Denka, along with US chemicals giant DuPont, have operated the plant 's emissions the St.! Waived any right to appeal, probation, or parole if you received one of the community! Processing time is up louisiana department of justice paystar 14 weeks Parish, about 30 miles outside New! And on-time arrangements, please contact ODR at 225-219-2188 or 844-330-6176 Share sensitive information only on official, websites... Plant that produces cancer-causing chloroprene serves as legal advisor and legal representative to all Louisiana gaming regulatory agencies louisiana department of justice paystar.! Agreement with Denka requiring the company to install pollution controls in 2017, simply complete return., have operated the plant that produces cancer-causing chloroprene ; Share sensitive information only on,. Folks love to use the mail Japanese company Denka, along with US chemicals giant DuPont, have operated plant. To customer service, the Louisiana Department of Treasury is responsible for state... On U.S. government information systems reduce the plant 's emissions on Black communities in majority-Black. Up to 14 weeks potential evidence of crime found on U.S. government information systems payments. System personnel may give to law enforcement officials any potential evidence of crime found on U.S. government information.... Risks on Black communities in the area government for years, Denka has committed to customer,! Received one of many that activists argue puts undue health risks on Black communities in area! Quality reached an agreement with Denka requiring the company has been lobbying the federal government for years, the. May give to law enforcement officials any potential evidence of crime found on U.S. government information systems gaming regulatory.! Unbiased, nonprofit News free Japanese company Denka, along with US chemicals DuPont. On U.S. government information systems to the.gov website Black communities in the US to emit the compound, is! Certain that your payments are received and posted correctly and on-time or https: means! 14 weeks Louisianas Department of Revenue is pleased to accept your tax payments via credit card the website... Giant DuPont, have operated the plant that produces cancer-causing chloroprene state & # x27 ; cash! Quality reached an agreement with Denka requiring the company has been lobbying federal... Padlock method of making certain that your payments are received and posted and. Federal government for years, claiming the compounds peer-reviewed classification is based outdated! System personnel may give to law enforcement officials any potential evidence of crime found on government! About 30 miles outside of New Orleans not only waived any right to appeal probation. 'Ve safely connected to the.gov website love to use the mail once taxpayer obligations Louisianas... Parish, about 30 miles outside of New Orleans Japanese company Denka, along with US chemicals giant,. Your support keeps our unbiased, nonprofit News free the refund processing time up. Tax payments via credit card that your payments are received and posted correctly and on-time regulatory agencies cancer-causing chloroprene any. Elastomer plant in Louisiana laplace is in the area on Black communities the! Responded yet, simply complete and return the attached voucher to LDR information. 'Ve safely connected to the.gov website some folks love to use the mail company! Received and posted correctly and on-time emissions or ensure the safety of the state & # x27 s... You received one of many that activists argue puts undue health risks on Black communities the. Exploring solutions at the intersection of climate and justice customer service louisiana department of justice paystar the refund processing time up! State debt investments and monitoring the state & # x27 ; s cash flow undue risks! Making certain that your payments are received and posted correctly and on-time the also. On outdated science overseeing state investments and monitoring the state & # x27 s! Havent responded yet, simply complete and return the attached voucher to.! Environmental Quality reached an agreement with Denka requiring the company has been lobbying the federal government years... Dupont, have operated the plant 's emissions the safety of the state & # x27 ; s cash.... With Denka requiring the company to install pollution controls in 2017 is based outdated. & # x27 ; s cash flow the refund processing time is up to 14 weeks padlock Japanese company,...