Correspondence from Lani Guinier to Prof. Richard Engstrom Re Whitfield v. Clinton
Correspondence
February 20, 1987

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Brief Collection, LDF Court Filings. New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection v. South Camden Citizens in Action Brief Amici Curiae, 2001. 6044d364-bf9a-ee11-be36-6045bdeb8873. LDF Archives, Thurgood Marshall Institute. https://ldfrecollection.org/archives/archives-search/archives-item/f342e4fb-927c-4fce-a122-381a279fbd55/new-jersey-dept-of-environmental-protection-v-south-camden-citizens-in-action-brief-amici-curiae. Accessed April 29, 2025.
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Nos. 01-2224/01-2296 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE THIRD CIRCUIT NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, etal., Defendants/Appellants, v. SOUTH CAMDEN CITIZENS IN ACTION, et al., Plaintiffs/Appellees. ST. LAWRENCE CEMENT CO., L.L.C., Intervenor-Defendant/Appellant On Appeal from the United States District Court f j hie District of New Jersey BRIEF OF AMICI CURIAE LAWYERS' COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE, NAACP LEGAL DEFENSE & EDUCATIONAL FUND, INC., ASIAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND AND GARDEN STATE BAR ASSOCIATION IN SUPPORT OF APPELLEE AND URGING AFFIRMANCE Thomas Henderson Janette L. Wipper Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law 1401 New York Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 662-8600 Elaine R. Jones Theodore M. Shaw Norman J. Chachkin NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc. 99 Hudson Street, Suite 1600 New York, New York 10013 (212) 965-2200 Dennis Courtland Hayes, Esq. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 4801 Mount Hope Road Baltimore, Maryland 21215 (410) 486-9191 Ronald Thompson, Esq. Garden State Bar Association Law Office of Ronald Thompson 213 South Harrison Street East Orange, New Jersey 07018 (973) 673-1001 Ken Kimerling Margaret Fung Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund 99 Hudson St. -12th Floor New York, New York 10013 (212) 966-5932 Regina Waynes Joseph, Esq. Garden State Bar Association 320 South Harrison Street 16th Floor East Orange, New Jersey 07018-1333 (973) 744-5208 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGEISI INTEREST OF AMICUS CURIAE ...................................................................... 1 I. DISTRICT COURT PROPERLY HELD THAT TITLE VI REQUIRES NJDEP TO CONSIDER ADVERSE DISPARATE IMPACTS WHEN IT CONSIDERS WHETHER TO ISSUE AIR QUALITY PERMITS ........................5 II. DISTRICT COURT PROPERLY FOUND THAT THE PLAINTIFFS DEMONSTRATED A LIKELIHOOD OF SUCCESS ON THE MERITS ON THE QUESTION WHETHER THE GRANT OF THE PERMIT WOULD HAVE A DISPARATE IMPACT ON AFRICAN- AMERICANS AND HISPANIC-AMERICANS .............................. 19 A. The Record Clearly Establishes That Issuance of the SLC Permit Would Have a Disparate Racial Im pact..........................................................21 B. The Disparate Impact Holding Is Supported by the Apparent Disparity in Other Sources of Exposure That Have Been Authorized to Operate in Waterfront South ..................................................27 C. The Disparate Impact Holding Is Supported by the Apparent Racial Pattern in the Distribution of NJDEP-Permitted and EPA Regulated Facilities State-Wide..............................................31 CONCLUSION......................................................................................................34 i TABLE OF AUTHORITIES CASES PAGE(S') Adams v. Richardson. 351 F. Supp. 636 (D.D.C. 1973), modified & aff d. 480 F.2d 1159 (D.C. Cir. 1973)............................2 In re AES Puerto Rico. 29 E.L.R. 41132 flE.A.B. 1999) ........................ 18 Ammons v. Dade City. Florida, 594 F. Supp. 1274 (M.D. Fla. 1984), aff d. 783 F.2d 982 (11th Cir. 1986) .......................... 30 In Re Arthur Treacher's Franchisee Litigation. 689 F.2d 1137 (3d Cir. 1982).................................................................................. 19 Bean v. Southwestern Waste Management Corp., 482 F.Supp. 673 (D.C. Tex. 1979)................................................. 28 Blackshear Residents Organization v. Housing Authority of the City of Austin. 347 F. Supp. 1138 (W.D. Tex. 1972) ............passim Bronson v. Crestwood Lake Section 1 Holding Corp.. 724 F. Supp. 148 (S.D.N.Y. 1989).............................................................. 32 Bryan v. Koch. 627 F.2d 612 (2d Cir. 1980) ............................................ 26 Burton v. Wilmington Parking Authority, 365 U.S. 715 ( I 9 6 0 ................ 8 Castaneda v. Partida. 430 U.S. 482 (1977)............................................ 7, 30 Coalition of Concerned Citizens v. Damian, 608 F. Supp. 110 (S.D. Ohio 1984).............................................................................. 25 Columbus Bd. of Educ. v. Penick. 443 U.S. 449 (1979) ............................8 l i Croskev St. Concerned Citizens v. Romney, 335 F. Supp. 1251 (E.D. Pa. 1971).......................................................................... 13, 14 East Bibb Twiggs Neighborhood Ass’n v. Macon-Bibb County Planning & Zoning Comm’n. 706 F. Supp. 880 (M.D. Ga. 1989)............ 25 In re EcoElectrica. L.P.. 7 E.A.D. 56 (1997) ............................................ 18 El Cortez Heights Residents & Property Owners Association v. Tucson, 457 P.2d 294 (Ariz. App. 1969)............................ passim Gilmore v. City of Montgomery. 417 U.S. 556 0974) .............................. 8 Griggs v. Duke Power Co.. 401 U.S. 424 (1971)............................ 8, 10, 20 Hawkins v. Town of Shaw, 437 F.2d 1286 (5th Cir. 1971)...................... 29 Hicks v. Weaver. 302 F. Supp. 619 (E.D. La. 1969) .......................... 15, 24 Hodges v. Public Building Commission of Chicago. 864 F. Supp. 1493 (N.D. 111. 1994) ............................................................ 26 Huntington Branch. NAACP v. Town of Huntington, 844 F.2d 926 (2d Cir. 1988), affd. 488 U.S. 15, 17 (1989) .......................... 33 Instant Air Freight Co. v. C.F. Air Freight Inc.. 882 F.2d 797 (3d Cir. 1989).................................................................................. 19 Jackson v. Conway, 476 F. Supp. 896 (E.D. Mo. 1979), affd, 620 F.2d 680 (8th Cir. 1980) ........................................................... 30 Kennedy Park Homes Associate. Inc, v. City of Lackawanna, 436 F.2d 108 (2d Cir. 1970), cert, denied. 401 U.S. 1010 (1971) ................................................................................................ 29 Laramore v. Illinois Sports Facility Authority. 722 F. Supp. in 443 (N.D. 111. 1989) 26 Norwood v. Harrison. 413 U.S. 455 (1973)................................................ 8 Palmore v. Sidoti. 466 U.S. 429. 433 (1984).............................................. 8 Regents of University of California v, Bakke, 98 S.Ct. 2733, 2746 (1978) .............................................................................................. 6 Resident Advisory Board v. Rizzo. 564 F.2d 126 (3d Cir. 1977)...................................................................................... 7,20,24 R-I.S.E. v. Kav. 768 F.Supp. 1144 (E.D. Va. 1991).................................. 28 Shannon v. United States Department of Housing & Urban Development. 436 F.2d 809 (3d Cir. 1970) ................ passim Shelley v. Kramer. 334 U.S. 1 (1947).......................................................... 8 South Camden Citizens in Action v. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. No. Civ.A. 01-702, 2001 WL 392472 (D.N.J. Apr. 19, 2001).................................................. passim United Farmworkers of Fla. Hous. Project. Inc, v. City of Delray Beach. 493 F.2d 799 (5th Cir. 1974) .......................................................... 13 United States v. Yonkers. 96 F.3d 600 (2d Cir. 1996)................................ 8 Village of Arlington Heights v. Metropolitan Housing Development Corp.. 429 U.S. 252 (1977)...................................... 20 Washington v. Davis. 426 U.S. 229, 242 (1976) ................................... 7, 20 Watson v. Fort Worth Bank & Trust. 487 U.S. 977 (1988)................... 8, 20 IV STATUTES PAGEfS) 40 C.F.R. part 7 .............................................................................................5 40 C.F.R. § 7.35(a)(6)...................................................................................8 40 C.F.R. § 7.35(b).................................................................................. 6, 9 40 C.F.R. 7.85(a)(2)-(4) ............................................................................. 12 Fed. R. App. P. 29(a)......................................................................................4 42 U.S.C. § 2000d......................................................................................... 5 42U.S.C. § 7401(b)(1)............................................................................... 17 42 U.S.C. § 7503(a)..................................................................................... 18 42 U.S.C. § 7508(a)(1)(A) ......................................................................... 17 42 U.S.C. § 7508(a)(A)-(C) ....................................................................... 17 v INTEREST OF AMICUS CURIAE The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law ("Committee") was founded in 1963 by the leaders of the American bar, at the request of President John F. Kennedy, in order to help defend the civil rights of minorities and the poor. Its Board of Trustees presently includes past Presidents of the American Bar Association, past Attorney Generals of the United States, law school deans and many of the nation's leading lawyers. It has local affiliates in Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Through the Committee and its affiliates, hundreds of attorneys have represented thousands of clients in civil rights cases across the country. The Committee is a tax-exempt, nonprofit civil rights organization. Among the Committee's essential interests is the proper construction and implementation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as of the regulations that give life to the statutory promise of nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted programs. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ("NAACP"), established in 1909, is the nation's oldest civil rights organization. The NAACP has state and local affiliates throughout the nation, including the State of Maryland where it maintains its national headquarters. The fundamental mission of the NAACP includes promoting equality of rights, eradicating caste and race prejudice among the citizens of the United States and securing for African Americans and other minorities increased opportunities for employment. The NAACP has appeared before courts throughout the nation in numerous important civil rights cases. The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Inc. ("LDF") was incorporated in 1939 under the laws of New York State, for the purpose, inter alia, of rendering legal aid free of charge to indigent “Negroes suffering injustices by reason of race or color.” Its first Director-Counsel was Thurgood Marshall. LDF has appeared as counsel of record or amicus curiae in numerous cases before the Supreme Court, the Courts of Appeals, and the federal District Courts, involving constitutional and statutory civil rights guarantees and has litigated cases under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its implementing regulations, including efforts to require federal agencies to enforce the statute effectively. See Adams v. Richardson, 351 F. Supp. 636 (D.D.C. 1972), 356 F. Supp. 92 (D.D.C. 1973), modified & aff d. 480 F.2d 1159 (D.C. Cir. 1973). Based upon this experience, LDF believes that private litigation to enforce the Title VI requirement of nondiscrimination by recipients of federal funds is essential to effectuate the -2- fundamental principle of equal treatment embodied in the Fourteenth Amendment and recognized by Congress in the Act. The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (“AALDEF”), founded in 1974, is a non-profit organization based in New York City. AALDEF defends the civil rights of Asian Americans nationwide through the prosecution of lawsuits, legal advocacy and dissemination of public information. AALDEF has throughout its long history fought for the rights of equal access to government for its constituents. Title Vi’s disparate impact regulations and guidelines have been an important part of that advocacy. AALDEF currently represents plaintiffs in the United States District Court who have asserted claims under the Title VI regulations and section 1983 seeking equal access to Unemployment Insurance through Chinese language services. The Garden State Bar Association ("GSBA"), founded in the late 1960's as Concerned Legal Associates by a group of African-American law students and attorneys, is an affiliate of the National Bar Association. In 1975, the organization changed its name to the Garden State Bar Association and was incorporated in New Jersey. Its purposes include the elimination of discrimination and inequality in all aspects of life and assisting African-American and other -3- ethnic minorities in becoming an effective part of the judicial and legal systems. Its membership includes more than 500 African-American attorneys, judges and law students throughout the State of New Jersey. The Committee, NAACP, LDF, AALDEF, and GSBA (collectively, the "Amici") respectfully file this brief with the consent of counsel for the parties pursuant to Fed. R. App. P. 29(a). -4- I. THE DISTRICT COURT PROPERLY HELD THAT TITLE VI REQUIRES NJDEP TO CONSIDER ADVERSE DISPARATE IMPACTS WHEN IT CONSIDERS WHETHER TO ISSUE AIR QUALITY PERMITS. On appeal, NJDEP does not directly challenge the District Court’s determination that Title VI and its implementing regulations require that an agency undertake an analysis of the potential adverse disparate impact of a permit in connection with determining whether to grant or deny such permit. 42. U.S.C. § 2000d, 40 C.F.R. part 7. Instead, NJDEP takes issue with the particular analysis of adverse disparate impact that the District Court found to be presented by the facts and circumstances of this case. Accordingly, NJDEP argues that the District Court erred because it “impos[ed] a requirement of an ‘adverse disparate impact assessment’ that includes ‘cumulative environmental burdens and community- specific health problems. ’” NJDEP Br. at 34 (emphasis added).1 NJDEP’s limited arguments underscore the weaknesses of its 'See also NJDEP Br. at 31 (arguing that the District Court erred because it “required] a specific disparate impact analysis.”); Id. at 34(arguing that the court erred because it “impos[ed] a requirement of an ‘adverse disparate impact assessment’ that includes ‘cumulative environmental burdens and community- specific health problems.’”); Id. at 32 (arguing that the statute does not “require[] any particular ‘adverse disparate impact analysis.’”); Id. at 33, 36, 37 (arguing that the EPA regulations “do not require a specific assessment,” nor do they “require the specific analysis ordered by the Court.”) (emphasis added). -5- position. By targeting only the particular analysis of the District Court, NJDEP implicitly concedes that Title VI and its implementing regulations require some form of adverse disparate impact analysis. At the same time, in advancing its focused attack, NJDEP fails to recognize that any such analysis will be shaped by the operative facts presented. The District Court was correct in its holding that Title VI and its implementing regulations clearly require NJDEP, as a recipient of federal funds, to consider the potential adverse effects of its decisions and the race of the population to be affected, so as to avoid making discriminatory decisions. The District Court was also correct in applying an analysis of such adverse disparate impacts to the particular facts and circumstances presented by the parties in the preliminary injunction proceedings. The obligations imposed by Title VI require that NJDEP consider the potential adverse disparate effects of its decisions, whether in furtherance of the obligation not to engage in or give effect to intentional discrimination, under §601, see Regents of University of California v. Bakke. 438 U.S. 265, 287 (1978), or the obligation not to make decisions in a manner that will “have the effect of subjecting individuals to discrimination because of their race,” under regulations adopted pursuant to §602, see 40 C.F.R. § 7.35(b). Consideration of the potential -6- adverse consequences of a decision and the race of those affected thereby is necessary because it is critical to determining whether intentional discrimination is present and whether an action will have a result prohibited by the “discriminatory effects” standard of the regulations. Consideration of the racial effects of a decision begins the inquiry whether a decision is intentionally discriminatory. See Resident Advisory Bd. v. Rizzo. 564 F.2d 126, 141 (3d Cir. 1977) (quoting Washington v. Davis. 426 U.S. 229, 242 (1976))(“The impact of the official action - whether it ‘bears more heavily on one race than another’ - may provide an important starting point.”). Where the discriminatory impact is dramatic, the inquiry into discriminatory intent may well be subsumed by the inquiry into and the finding of, discriminatory effect. See Castaneda v. Partida. 430 U.S. 482, 496 (1977). By failing to consider the adverse racial impact of its permitting decision, NJDEP failed to comply with its obligations under §601 to avoid or prevent an intentionally racially discriminatory decision in issuing a permit. Consideration of the racial effect of its decisions is necessary because NJDEP can violate Title VI (and the Constitution), not only through its own intentional -7- discrimination, but by giving effect to the intentional discrimination of others,2 or through the perpetuation of past discrimination.3 Consideration of adverse disparate impacts is also necessary to ensure compliance with the “discriminatory effects” standard established in the EPA regulations. Indeed, the adverse disparate impact analysis is the fundamental and primary tool in assessing disparate impact or discriminatory effects claims. See, e.g.. Watson v. Fort Worth Bank & Trust. 487 U.S. 977, 988 (1988); Griggs v. Duke Power Co., 401 U.S. 424, 432 (1971). The familiar burden-shifting analysis of disparate impact claims described by the District Court is well established in precedent. Thus, it is impossible for NJDEP to comply with the obligations under the effects standard regulations of EPA without assessing the potential adverse 2See Gilmore v. City of Montgomery. 417 U.S. 556, 567 (1974) (city policy facilitating, reinforcing, and supporting private discrimination unconstitutional); Norwood v. Harrison. 413 U.S. 455, 463 (1973) (state support to racially discriminatory private schools violates Constitution); Burton v. Wilmington Parking Auth.. 365 U.S. 715, 725 (1961) (discrimination of private lessee imputed to public lessor); Shelley v. Kramer. 334 U.S. 1, 20 (1947) (imputing intentional discrimination of private parties to public authority that gave it effect); United States v. Yonkers. 96 F.3d 600, 612 (2d Cir. 1996) (citing Palmore v. Sidoti. 466 U.S. 429, 433 (1984)) (“Private biases may be outside the law but the law cannot, directly or indirectly, give them effect.”) 3See 40 C.F.R. §7.35(a)(6); Cf. Columbus Bd. of Educ. v. Penick. 443 U.S. 449(1979). -8- disparate effects of its decisions. Nonetheless, NJDEP attempts to avoid the obvious necessity of considering the potential adverse disparate impact of its decisions. It does so by attempting to redefine its Title VI obligations by selective reference to only certain portions of the EPA regulations. Specifically, NJDEP argues that it has not “flatly denied any obligations whatsoever” under Title VI, because it acknowledges that “it may not use discriminatory criteria or methods,” and utilizes “the same criteria for all applicants,” — more specifically, it “uniformly utilize[s] the duly promulgated health-based standards governing the pollutants emitted by facilities seeking a license.” NJDEP Br. at 33 n. * NJDEP’s argument ignores the text of the relevant EPA regulation and the obligation it imposes. The regulation does not merely prohibit “discriminatory criteria of methods,” as NJDEP suggests, but “criteria or methods of administering its program which have the effect of subjecting individuals to discrimination because of their race.” 40 C.F.R. § 7.35(b) (emphasis added). Far from prohibiting only discriminatory criteria or methods or the application of different criteria or methods to different racial groups, the disparate impact paradigm assumes a facially neutral policy or practice that, when applied to all, -9- will have a disparate racial impact. See Griggs. 401 U.S. at 431. Thus, NJDEP has the obligation to assess whether its uniform application of race-neutral standards will result in an adverse disparate racial impact. NJDEP either misunderstands or misrepresents the regulatory obligation. In any event, its insistence on refusing to consider any information other than the environmental ly- relevant National Ambient Air Quality ("NAAQ") standard cannot satisfy that obligation. Sole consideration of environmental standards, particularly whether a permit meets a specific NAAQ standard, is simply not a proper measurement of Title VI compliance. At a minimum, Title VI demands that NJDEP consider both the effects of a permit and the race of the population affected by it. Otherwise, Title VI protections would effectively be vitiated in the environmental permitting context. In refusing to acquiesce in a nullification of Title VI, the District Court properly held that consideration of both adverse effects and race must be included in NJDEP’s permitting process. Long-standing civil rights precedent clearly demonstrates that the District Court's holding was correct. See Shannon v. United States Dep't of Hous. & Urban Dev.. 436 F.2d 809, 821 (3d Cir. 1970) (holding that HUD must utilize -10- some institutionalized method whereby ... it has before it the racial and socio economic information necessary for compliance with its duties under the 1964 and 1968 Civil Rights Acts);4 Blackshear Residents Org. v. Hous. Authority of the City of Austin. 347 F. Supp. 1138, 1145 (W.D. Tex. 1972) (holding that procedures administered in selecting and approving housing sites that lacked race considerations were grossly inadequate to ensure compliance with the national civil rights policy expressed in Title VI and Title VIII of the Civil Rights Acts); El Cortez Heights Residents & Prop. Owners Ass’n v. Tucson. 457 P.2d 294, 296 (Ariz. Ct. App. 1969) (holding that the racial character of the neighborhood cannot be ignored in approving a housing site under Title VI). Courts have consistently held that agencies cannot “legitimately meet the mandate” of Title VI and the regulations “and at the same time reject considering the racial character” of the neighborhood affected. See El Cortez. 457 P.2d at 296. 4The holding in Shannon was based upon the Housing Act of 1949 and the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968. In discussing these statutes, the court addressed both the non-discrimination obligations under Title VI and the affirmative duty to further fair housing under Title VIII. Nonetheless, it separately addressed the independent obligations of each statute. Here, what is instructive is its analysis of Title VI obligations. That analysis recognized, separate and apart from the affirmative duty under Title VIII, that Title VI requires an agency to consider the race and effects of its actions, and to prevent discrimination resulting from such actions. IcL at 816, 820-821. -11- Title VI charges recipient agencies with a duty to take action in furthering its non-discrimination obligations. "The duty imposed under the statute and the regulations is not simply the negative duty to not discriminate.” El Cortez. 457 P.2d at 296. "It is a mandate that prohibits recipient agencies from acting in a manner that results in discrimination.” Id. To effectuate this mandate, for example, EPA requires each recipient to establish procedures by which to “collect” and “maintain” “racial/ethnic” and “national origin” data. 40 C.F.R. § 7.85(a)(2)-(4). This requirement represents the type of duties imposed by Title VI. When agencies have failed to fulfill the duties imposed under the statute or regulations, courts have directed them to take action. Shannon. 436 F.2d at 821; Blackshear. 347 F. Supp. at 1148-1149. The direction provided by the District Court offers an appropriate example. But the Shannon requirements imposed by this Circuit provide an particularly instructive example of such direction. Shannon. 436 F.2d at 821. In Shannon, this Circuit held that “the Agency must utilize some institutionalized method whereby ... it has before it relevant racial and socio economic information necessary for compliance with its duties under the 1964 and 1968 Civil Rights Acts.” Id. In so holding, this Circuit “suggested some -12- considerations relevant to a proper determination” under these Acts. Id. (suggesting eleven considerations, seven of which explicitly refer to the racial character of the population affected). Shannon’s procedural requirements have been adopted by many courts. See, e.g.. United Farmworkers of Fla. Hous. Project. Inc, v. City of Delray Beach. 493 F.2d 799, 811 n. 11 (5th Cir. 1974); Blackshear. 347 F. Supp. at 1146-1147; Croskev St. Concerned Citizens v. Romney. 335 F. Supp. 1251, 1255 (E.D. Pa. 1971). These procedures were based upon the national civil rights policy expressed in Title VI and Title VIII of the Civil Rights Acts. That policy, as explicitly described in Shannon, arises out of the statutory approach “expressed in the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968,” which “show a progression of thinking of Congress as to what factors contribute” to discrimination and “what steps must be taken to reverse ... or prevent” it. Shannon. 436 F.2d at 816. In recognizing Title Vi’s role in this policy, this Circuit stated that “before 1964, administrators of federal ... programs could ... remain blind to the very real racial effect” of their decisions, [but] [t]oday such color blindness is impermissible.” Id. at 820. In further defining that role, this Circuit added that “[b]y 1964, [such administrators were] directed, when considering whether a program ... was workable, to look at -13- the effects of [its] action and to prevent discrimination ... from such action.” Id. at 816. Accordingly, this Circuit held that the requirement that “an Agency must utilize some institutionalized method whereby ... it has before it the relevant racial ... information” is “necessary for compliance with its duties under the 1964 ... Civil Rights Act.” Id. at 821. Based on this Circuit’s reading of Title VI “within the framework of the national policy against discrimination” and the procedural requirements adopted pursuant thereto, the “procedures” ordered by the District Court were not only authorized, but consistent with controlling precedent. See Id. at 816; NJDEP Br. at 32. Other courts have applied the “statutory approach based on the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1969 adopted in Shannon v. HUD” to order similar procedures. Blackshear. 347 F. Supp. at 1146, 1148-1149 (relying on Shannon in ordering an agency to adopt procedures which included “considerations relevant to a proper determination” under the Civil Rights Acts); Croskev. 335 F. Supp. at 1254-1256 (holding that Title VI mandates “adequate consideration of the impact of site selection on racial concentration in deciding to approve a project so that the decision complies with the Shannon requirements”). In assessing an agency’s decision-making process against the underlying policy principles upon which Title -14- VI is based, courts have consistently held that a process, which did not include any examination of race, is “grossly inadequate to ensure that the national policy o f equal opportunity. ” See Blackshear. 347 F. Supp. at 1145 (emphasis added). While requirements based upon the national policy expressed in the Civil Rights Acts have been well-established, other courts have recognized similar duties based solely on Title VI. See, e.g.. Hicks v. Weaver. 302 F. Supp. 619, 623 (E.D. La. 1969)(ruling that consideration of the racial character of a neighborhood is critical under Title VI because, based on the analogous area of school construction, locating a public housing project in an African American neighborhood “creates a strong inference” of discrimination); See also. El Cortez. 457 P.2d at 297 (holding that a recipient agency that “admittedly rejected considering the racial character of the neighborhood” in choosing a housing site failed to fulfill its duties under Title VI). It is well-established that an agency must consider the racial impact of its decisions under Title VI. This precedent demonstrates two points regarding NJDEP’s Title VI obligations. First, its obligations clearly go beyond the negative duty “not to use discriminatory criteria or methods.” NJDEP Br. at 33 n. *. Secondly, they require, at a minimum, that NJDEP’s permit process include a method by which -15- the effects of a facility and the race of the population affected is considered. Furthermore, the policy principles underlying its obligations demonstrate that NJDEP’s attempt to offer compliance with environmental standards as a substitute for civil rights considerations appears to be “no more than an excuse for avoiding responsibility of having to find criteria” which will effectuate the purposes of Title VI. See El Cortez. 457 P. 2d at 296. Many courts have directly undercut what NJDEP argues is a proper means of measuring civil rights compliance. It is well-settled that relying on criteria essenti ally irrelevant to discrimination, although worthwhile and reasonable in other areas, will not substitute for the race and effects considerations required by Title VI. For example, as this Circuit has explained, Title VI prohibits administrators from avoiding race and effects considerations by concentrating on other factors. See Shannon. 436 F.2d at 820 (stating that agencies cannot “by concentrating on land use controls, building code enforcement, and physical conditions of buildings, remain blind” to the racial effect of their decisions). Similarly, as stated in El Cortez. Title VI prohibits administrators from focusing on “availability of transportation, shopping, schools, business and community services, health and medical facilities, churches, improvability of land, -16- topography, traffic congestion, zoning,” while “rejecting] considering the racial character of the neighborhood.” El Cortez, 457 P.2d at 295-296. Likewise, Title VI prohibits NJDEP from solely focusing on environmental standards to avoid considering the race and effects of its permit decisions. To further justify its reliance on environmental standards or, more specifically, solely on the NAAQ PM-10 standard, NJDEP insists that it is not “authorized” to consider anything more. NJDEP Br. at 34 (“In fact, some of the criteria call for by the Court are factors on which NJDEP cannot legally base a permitting decision.”). The Clean Air Act (“CAA”), according to NJDEP, prohibits such consideration. Id. Far from precluding consideration of the race and effects in permitting the facility, the Act expressly calls for the protection of broader public interests, including "the public health and welfare." 42 U.S.C. §§ 7401(b)(1), 7508(a)(1)(A), 7508(a)(A)-(C). EPA has interpreted this Congressional mandate to consider what NJDEP now argues is unauthorized. For instance, EPA has interpreted the omnibus clause of the CAA, as well as other environmental statutes, - that mandate to “protect the public health and welfare,” and to assess penalties “as justice may require” - to authorize consideration of broad impacts, including all racially discriminatory adverse -17- impacts. See In re AES Puerto Rico. 29 E.L.R. 41132 (E.A.B. 1999)(holding that environmental permitting process under the Clean Air Act may include “additional considerations”); In re EcoElectrica. L.P.. 7 E.A.D. 56 (1997). Second, the CAA requires that any permits issued for sources in non-attainment areas like Camden which already do not meet the NAAQS must include “an analysis of alternative sites, sizes, production processes, and environmental control techniques for such proposed source demonstrates that the benefits of the proposed source significantly outweigh the environmental and social costs imposed as a result of its location, construction or modification.” 42 U.S.C. § 7503(a)(emphasis added). Therefore, NJDEP was not only authorized to consider the broad impacts of the permit, but was statutorily directed to carefully consider such consequences in its analysis of that permit based on the circumstances in this case. The statutory directive, combined with NJDEP’s obligations under Title VI, support the adverse disparate impact analysis ordered by the District Court. -18- II. DISTRICT COURT PROPERLY FOUND THAT THE PLAINTIFFS DEMONSTRATED A LIKELIHOOD OF SUCCESS ON THE MERITS ON THE QUESTION WHETHER THE GRANT OF THE PERMIT WOULD HAVE A DISPARATE IMPACT ON AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND HISPANIC-AMERICANS. The District Court reviewed the factual record to evaluate the "likelihood of success on the merits" component of the standard for preliminary relief. See Instant Air Freight Co. v. C.F. Air Freight. Inc.. 882 F.2d 797, 800 (3d Cir. 1989); In Re Arthur Treacher's Franchisee Litig.. 689 F.2d 1137, 1143 (3d Cir. 1982). The Court held that plaintiffs had established a prima facie case of adverse disparate impact, and otherwise established an entitlement to preliminary relief. South Camden Citizens in Action v. New Jersey Dept, of Envir. Prot.. 2001 WL 392472, * 2 (D.N.J. 2001)(“SCCIA I”). Amici here focus specifically on disparate impact.5 The District Court's ruling in this regard is entirely consistent with established precedent and is 5 This brief focuses on the disparate impact portion of the adverse disparate impact analysis. The District Court’s findings of fact as to harm and risk from exposure to emissions from the SLC facility, together with the ample record evidence provide the basis for the court’s holding that the disparate impact is adverse. Those findings are addressed in the briefs of Appellees and other amici and will not be given significant treatment here. -19- the only conclusion that can properly be drawn from the record. Disparate impact analysis is simply a means of assessing “[t]he impact of the official action - whether it bears more heavily on one race than another.” Village of Arlington Heights v. Metropolitan Hous. Dev. Corp.. 429 U.S. 252, 266 (1977) (quoting Washington v. Davis, 426 U.S. 229, 242 (1976)). See Rizzo. 564 F.2d at 141. Thus, disparate impact analysis involves an examination of the racial composition of the population that will be adversely affected by the challenged action in relation to the racial character of relevant populations that will not bear significant adverse effects. See Griggs. 401 U.S. at 432; Watson. 487 U.S. at 988. Disparate impact analysis must be applied flexibly in a wide variety of contexts on the basis of the facts and circumstances presented in each case. Application of established disparate impact analysis to this record demonstrates that NJDEP's grant of the air quality permit had a disparate impact on the basis of race, and that the Court’s holding is supported by several analyses of the available data. First, there is conclusive evidence that issuing the challenged permits will have a disparate racial impact on the essentially racially segregated population of Waterfront South — the community in which the facility -20- will operate. Further, this disparate racial impact is aggravated by other sources of pollution that have been authorized to operate in this same neighborhood, as well as the correlation between race and the pattern of permits issued by NJDEP state wide. A. The Record Clearly Establishes That Issuance of the SLC Permit Would Have a Disparate Racial Impact Plaintiffs' complaint challenged issuance of the permit by NJDEP for operation of the SLC facility in the Waterfront South neighborhood. See Plaintiffs' Compl. at §§ 98-101. The stark facts regarding the racial composition of that community and the exposure of the community to emissions from the SLC facility establish a clear and unmistakable disparate impact. This, together with the Court’s factual findings of the adverse health effects and risks that operation of the facility would have on that community, clearly establish adverse disparate impact. Indeed, NJDEP does not, and could not, contest the evidence establishing that this community in which the plant it permitted to operate is comprised almost entirely of African-American and Hispanic-American residents. The undisputed evidence shows, and the Court found, that Waterfront South -21- residents are 63% African-American, 28.3% Hispanic, and only 9% white (non- Hispanic) - a combined minority population of greater than 91%. SCCIA I at * 10. The undisputed evidence also demonstrates that the racial composition of this neighborhood differs dramatically from that of the larger community. The District Court’s comparison of Waterfront South to the demographics on both the county and the State levels illustrates this fact quite clearly: Waterfront South County of Camden State o f New Jersey 63% African-American 16.2% African-American 28.3% Hispanic 7.2% Hispanic 91.3% Non-White 9% White(non-Hispanic) 23.4% Non-White 75.1% White(non-Hispanic) 20.6% Non-White 79.4% White(non-Hispanic) Thus, there can be no question that actions that impact on the Waterfront South community will “bear more heavily on one race than another,” the heart of disparate impact analysis. NJDEP does not contest that this community of racial minorities would be exposed to a number of air "pollutants" from the operation of the SLC facility as a result of its permitting, including "particulate matter (dust), mercury, lead, manganese, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, and volatile organic compounds." See SCCIA I at * 9. Instead, NJDEP argues only that the -22- amount of pollutants emitted would not exceed the NAAQS requirements. NJDEP Br. at 9. Therefore, the finding that the adverse effects of those emissions would fall more heavily on one race than another does not require sophisticated statistical analysis when, as here, the population of the affected community is 91% minority and represents a racial concentration four times the county average. Accordingly, the undisputed facts that the SLC facility permitted by NJDEP is located in a predominately minority community and that its operation will result in the exposure of residents of that community to its emissions establish conclusively that the issuance of the permit would have a disparate racial impact on Waterfront South.6 Contrary to what NJDEP contends, it is the permit issued by them that causes the harm by allowing for the operation of the facility. NJDEP Br. at 47. Without permission from NJDEP to operate, no harm would come to the residents of Waterfront South from the presence of the SLC facility. See 6 Although the District Court generally did not repeat its findings establishing the disparate impact of the permit on the Waterfront South community under the heading “Disparate Impact” in its opinion, see SCCIA I at *32, those findings precede and both shape and form the basis for its conclusions regarding the community and the adversity of the health effects and risks associated with the facility’s emissions. Even if the opinion were read to exclude this analysis of disparate impact, the uncontested facts and District Court's findings clearly establish the disparate impact of the issuance of the permit on the Waterfront South neighborhood as a basis for affirmance of the court’s order. -23- Hicks. 302 F.Supp. at 623 (holding HUD liable under Title VI for approving a project in a minority neighborhood because “nothing could be done without its approval.”). This record, together with the District Court’s findings of fact regarding the adverse effects and risks of that exposure, establish adverse disparate impact. Analysis of disparate impact in similar contexts demonstrate that this analysis is not only entirely appropriate, but routine. For example, this Court in Resident Advisory Board v. Rizzo analyzed disparate impact with respect to a claim that a city's refusal to issue a permit for construction of a low-income housing project was discriminatory by identifying the racial character of the population affected by the decision - those waiting for low-income housing, "95% of whom [we]re nonwhite” - relative to the “now-all-white portion" of the city in which the project was to be built and from which those waiting for low-income housing would be excluded. 564 F.2d at 143. This Court concluded that "the discriminatory impact of the City's obstruction of the project could hardly be clearer. .. . The City's opposition to the construction of the project had an undeniable effect of bearing more heavily on one race than another." Id; accord Shannon. 436 F.2d at 820 (holding that an agency must consider "the relevant -24- racial and socio-economic information necessary for compliance with its duties" under the Civil Rights Act in considering site selection or type selection for low income housing). Similarly, in Coalition of Concerned Citizens v. Damian, minority residents challenged as racially discriminatory a state's construction of a new highway through their community. 608 F. Supp. 110, 113 (S.D. Ohio 1984). The Court found that plaintiffs stated a prima facie case of disparate impact based on the racial disproportion of the population that would be affected by the highway: [t]here is no dispute that parts of [the highway] would travel through neighborhoods that range from 50% to over 90% racial minorities. Further, of 355 persons displaced by the construction of [the highway], 260 or nearly 75% are members of racial minorities. There is also ample evidence to support that the disruptions and negative impacts of highway construction and after the highway is operating will fall primarily upon neighborhoods that are mostly comprised of minorities. Id. at 127. Likewise in East Bibb Twiggs Neighborhood Ass’n v. Macon-Bibb County Planning & Zoning Comm’n. involving a disparate impact challenge to the approval of a private landfill, the court "observe[d] the obvious - a decision to approve a landfill in any particular census tract impacts more heavily upon that -25- census tract than upon any other. Since census tract No. 133.02 contains a majority black population equaling roughly sixty percent (60%) of the total population [of that area], the decision to approve the landfill in census tract 133.02 of necessity impacts greater upon that majority population." 706 F. Supp. 880, 884 (M.D. Ga. 1989), affd, 896 F.2d 1264 (11th Cir. 1989). Such analyses of racial divergence of the populations that will be affected by the authorization, termination or modification of particular facilities in determining disparate impact are commonplace and well established.7 Accordingly, the disparate racial impact of the permit issued by NJDEP 7 See, e.g.. Bryan v. Koch. 627 F.2d 612,616-17 (2d Cir. 1980) (in challenge to closing of hospital, racial "disparity appears from comparing the 98% minority proportion of the [hospital's] patients with the 66% minority proportion of the patients served by the City’s municipal hospital system," plaintiffs "ha[d] sufficiently shown a disproportionate racial impact"); Hodges v. Public Bldg. Comm'n of Chicago. 864 F. Supp. 1493, 1501 (N.D. 111. 1994) (in challenge to revised expansion plan for school, court observed that 85% percent of the school's students and 90% of the applicant pool were minorities, and that "minorities have borne and would continue to bear the brunt of prolonged overcrowding and lack of program space" caused by the plan, and concluded that plaintiffs adequately showed a disparate impact); Laramore v. Illinois Sports Facilities Auth.. 722 F. Supp. 443, 449 (N.D. 111. 1989) (in challenge to construction of stadium in neighborhood with population that was "almost exclusively black," court compared the "alleged immediate impact" on black residents against the "indirect, and perhaps speculative impact" on white residents in concluding that plaintiffs "have adequately alleged a racially disparate impact"). -26- authorizing operation of the SLC facility in Waterfront South is thoroughly established in the record and findings of the District Court. B. The Disparate Impact Holding Is Supported by the Apparent Racial Disparity in Other Sources of Exposure That Have Been Authorized to Operate in Waterfront South. The record establishes that the Waterfront South neighborhood is not simply a 91% minority community, but a 91% minority community in which a host of regulated and unregulated facilities and sources of pollution and exposure previously have been authorized to operate. SCCIA I at * 1-2. Specifically, the District Court found that: The Waterfront South neighborhood is already a popular location for the siting of industrial facilities. It contains the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority, a sewage treatment plant, the Camden County Resource Recovery facility, a trash-to-steam plant, the Camden Cogen Power Plant, a co-generation plant, and two United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") designated Superfund sites. Four sites within one-half mile of SLC's proposed facility are currently being investigated by the EPA for the possible release of hazardous substances. The NJDEP has also identified fifteen known contaminated sites in the Waterfront South neighborhood. SCCIA I at *2. -27- The practices of regulatory agencies, including the NJDEP, have already had a disparate impact on the area's African-American and Hispanic population. Contrary to what NJDEP’s contends, this heavy concentration of contaminated and polluting facilities, some of which were also permitted by NJDEP, is highly relevant to the District Court’s finding of disparate impact discrimination. NJDEP Br. at 47; See Bean v. Southwestern Waste Mgmt. Corp.. 482 F.Supp. 673, 676 (S.D. Tex. 1979)(“Evidence as to [other permitting authorities actions] is relevant, however, to the question of whether Defendant..., being aware of the placement of solid waste sites throughout the city of Houston, ... discriminated by approving the permit for the [challenged] site, since a state agency must not put its stamp of approval on a discriminatory practice or policy even if it did not initiate the practice or policy.”). Moreover, the concentration of such facilities supports the disparate impact finding as it suggests a cumulative disparate impact were the SLC facility to be permitted by NJDEP to operate. In R.I.S.E. v. Kav. for example, the court held that "[t]he placement of landfills in King and Queen County from 1969 to the present has had a disproportionate impact on black residents." 768 F. Supp. 1144, 1149 (E.D. Va. 1991). Similarly, in Blackshear. the court found that a history of siting public -28- housing had a racial impact in perpetuating residential racial segregation. 347 F. Supp. at 1148; see also Kennedy Park Homes Assoc.. Inc, v. City of Lackawanna. 436 F.2d 108, 113-114 (2d Cir. 1970)(finding that Lackawanna's long history of trying to keep 98.9% of its African-American residents confined to one of the City's three wards was substantial evidence of disparate racial impact). Disparate impact has also been established through evidence suggesting that African-American or other minority communities have not been afforded equal treatment in the administration of governmental services. For example, in Hawkins v. Town of Shaw, the Fifth Circuit considered statistical evidence. 437 F.2d 1286, 1288 (5th Cir. 1971)(discussing evidence showing that there were “451 dwelling units occupied by blacks in town, and, of these, 97% (439) are located in neighborhoods in which no whites reside.. . . [n]early 98% of the homes that front on unpaved streets in Shaw, [and n]inety-seven percent of the homes not served by sanitary sewers are in black neighborhoods.). The Shaw Court found that the City had clearly employed a policy to administer disparate municipal services to different sections of town, which "led to substantially less attention being paid to the black portion of town." Id Asa result, the Shaw Court concluded that plaintiff had presented "enough evidence to establish a prima facie -29- case of racial discrimination." Id.; see also Jackson v. Conway. 476 F. Supp. 896, 904 (E.D. Mo. 1979). affd, 620 F.2d 680 (8th Cir. 1980) (recognizing that courts have acknowledged Title VI violations where "a municipality would provide a certain service to a predominantly white section of town and a disparate or inferior service in a predominantly black section of town"); Ammons v. Dade City. 594 F. Supp. 1274, 1301 (M.D. Fla. 1984), affd. 783 F.2d 982 (11th Cir. 1986)(holding that racial disparity in municipal services gave rise to inference of intent)(citing Casteneda v. Partida. 420 U.S. 482, 494 (1977)). We do not suggest that the record evidence regarding the concentration of polluting facilities in Waterfront South presented in this hastily- prepared preliminary injunction proceeding is sufficient for a finding of discrimination. However, the issue before the District Court was whether there was evidence to establish a prima facie case of disparate treatment in determining whether plaintiffs were likely to succeed on the merits of their disparate impact claim. SCCIA I at * 2. In that context, the evidence of an apparent concentration of such facilities and the evident history of authorizing their operation in this minority community is probative, particularly in light of the undisputed disparate impact of NJDEP’s permitting decision allowing the SLC facility to operate. -30- C. The Disparate Impact Holding Is Supported by the Apparent Racial Pattern in the Distribution of NJDEP- Permitted and EPA Regulated Facilities State-Wide. The District Court's finding of disparate impact is amply supported by the facts proffered to support the two analyses set forth above. But beyond that evidence, South Camden Citizens presented prima facie evidence that NJDEP's permitting practices have a disparate impact across the State, with proofs that pollutant-producing facilities are disproportionately located in communities of color across New Jersey. Id. at * 42 (discussing the evidence presented by Plaintiffs’ expert, Dr. Michel Gelobter, analyzing the correlation between race and the distribution of facilities that emit air pollution in New Jersey). On the basis of statistical evidence, the District Court found that in the State of New Jersey there is “a strong, highly statistically significant, and disturbing pattern of association between the racial and ethnic composition of communities, the number of EPA regulated facilities, and the number of facilities with Air Permits.” Id. at * 43. The District Court concluded: At this stage of the proceedings, I find the evidence in the record amply supports a finding or disparate impact. Moreover, plaintiffs' expert, Dr. Michel Gelobter's conclusion is further supported by the undisputed fact -31- that 91 percent of the population of Waterfront South consists of members of racial or ethic minorities. Id. at * 43. The District Court found that the facts support a prima facie showing of disparate racial impact in NJDEP's procedures for approving air quality permits. Id. at * 44. Courts have based findings of disparate impact on statistical evidence showing correlation between the effects of multiple decisions and race in cases involving employment, zoning, fair housing, and other topics. These cases show the trial court's discretion to fashion the disparate impact analysis using statistical evidence as the basis for the prima facie case. For example, in Bronson v. Crestwood Lake Section 1 Holding Corp.. 724 F. Supp. 148, 153-155 (S.D.N.Y. 1989), the court relied on statistics showing disparate impact to prove a pattern of racial discrimination related to a section 8 voucher policy. There, the court granted a preliminary injunction, enjoining a landlord's policy requiring tenants to have an income level three times the amount of monthly rent. Plaintiff used statistical evidence of all renters in Yonkers, New York who — after payment of taxes and rent — would have an income level equal to or greater than the State "standard of need" level. See id. at 154 (evidence demonstrated that according to 1980 census figures, applying the three-times- -32- income standard to all renters in the applicant pool would effectively disqualify 6.25% of minority families from renting, but only serve to disqualify 0.25% of non-minority households from the pool). Based on that evidence, the Court observed that "the odds of being excluded from [renting] by the triple income test are 2.5 times greater for minority persons than non-minority persons." Id. The court concluded that on an application for preliminary injunction, the evidence in the record "amply supports a finding of disparate impact." kL, See also Huntington Branch, NAACP v. Town of Huntington. 844 F.2d 926, 929 (2d Cir. 1988), affd, 488 U.S. 15, 17 (1989)(" Without endorsing the precise analysis of the couit of appeals, we are satisfied on this record that disparate impact was shown..." ). Thus, the statistical evidence shows a correlation between distribution of regulated facilities and the percentage of minority residents. This is competent evidence of disparate impact and supports the District Court's holding. -33- CONCLUSION WHEREFORE, for the foregoing reasons the undersigned Amici urge this Court to affirm the findings of the District Court that NJDEP violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the implementing regulations. Respectfully submitted, Thomas Henderson, Esq. Janette L. Wipper, Esq. Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law 1401 New York Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005-2124 (202) 662-8600 Elaine R. Jones Theodore M. Shaw Norman J. Chachkin NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc. 99 Hudson Street, Suite 1600 New York, New York 10013-2897 (212) 965-2200 Dennis Courtland Hayes, Esq. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 4801 Mount Hope Road Baltimore, Maryland 21215 (410)486-9191 Ken Kimerling Margaret Fung Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund 99 Hudson St. -12th Floor New York, New York 10013 (212) 966-5932 Ronald Thompson, Esq. Garden State Bar Association Law Office of Ronald Thompson 213 South Harrison Street East Orange, New Jersey 07018 (973) 673-1001 Regina Waynes Joseph, Esq. Garden State Bar Association 320 South Harrison Street 16th Floor East Orange, New Jersey 07018-1333 (973) 744-5208 34 CERTIFICATION OF BAR MEMBERSHIP I, THOMAS J. HENDERSON, hereby certify that I am a member in good standing of the Bar of the United States Court of Adp^ for fhe Third Circuit. Dated: August 2, 2001 Washington, D.C. CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE I, THOMAS J. HENDERSON, an attorney at law and Member of the Bar of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, do hereby certify that I have caused to be served on the parties listed on the attached service list, by first class mail and overnight delivery service, a true and correct copy of the foregoing Brief. Dated: August 2, 2001 Washington, D.C. 35 CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE I, JANETTE L. WIPPER, hereby certify that the brief complies with the type-volume limitation of R. 32(a)(7)(B). The brief contains 6901 words. Dated: August 2, 2001 Washington, D.C. -36-