The Environmental Justice Team represents low-income people in environmental matters to improve the health and safety of communities impacted by pollution. The team focuses on community outreach and education, as well as administrative advocacy before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and other government agencies with regulatory authority over the environment.

Services and Activities:

• Represent clients before administrative agencies that regulate polluting industries;
• Prosecute “citizen suits” to enforce federal environmental laws;
• Address nuisances that impact TRLA clients, such as odors, dust, or noise;
• Promote enforcement of environmental laws in low-income minority communities disproportionately affected by pollution;
• Represent clients at contested case hearings on air, water, or solid waste permits before the TCEQ or on permits within the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas;
• File citizen suits under the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and Safe Drinking Water Act;
• File administrative complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act;
• Pursue state court suits for nuisance;
• Educate communities about making environmental complaints and about their rights under environmental and civil rights laws.

TRLA representation is free, but there may be other related charges such as court fees.