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 revelations were part of a years-long Guardian series examining air pollution in Reserve and throughout Cancer Alley. Can you tell if a bomb train is coming to your town? System personnel may give to law enforcement officials any potential evidence of crime found on U.S. Government information systems. 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 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. 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. On Tuesday, Regan said in a statement that the company had not moved far enough or fast enough on those requests. 49:251.1, the Department of Justice has provided training for Louisiana's justices of the peace and constables each year since 1972. The Fifth Ward elementary school and residential neighborhoods sit near the Denka plant, back left, in Reserve, Louisiana. Unauthorized or improper use of this information system is prohibited and may subject you to disciplinary action, as well as civil and criminal penalties. Services include: The office is located in the Northeast Louisiana State Office Building at 24 Accent Drive, Suite B500, Monroe, LA 71203. But the estimated pollution-related cancer risk in the area is still one of the highest in the country, according to the EPA. Denkas facility manufactures neoprene, a flexible, synthetic rubber used to produce common goods like wetsuits, beverage cozies, laptop sleeves, orthopedic braces, and automotive belts and hoses. "The company has not moved far enough or fast enough to reduce emissions or ensure the safety of the surrounding community," said Regan, who has been vocal about his commitment to environmental justice. 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. 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 . Neoprene is a synthetic rubber found in products such as wetsuits and adhesives. 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. 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. Please enable cookies before continuing. In its complaint filed on Tuesday, the Justice Department also named Dupont as a party responsible for ensuring that the plant reduces its emissions of chloroprene, which has been linked to numerous cancers and diseases of the nervous, immune, and respiratory systems. assistance. New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. This complaint filed against Denka delivers on that promise. Box 94005 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 (800) 423-2129 Terms of Use / Privacy Policy Powered By (888) 617-1811 | help@paystar.co Mallett earned her bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University and her law degree from Loyola . The plant is one of many that activists argue puts undue health risks on Black communities in the area. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. The complaint also names DuPont Specialty Products USA LLC the owner of the land beneath Denkas facility and Denkas landlord. The air samples were taken at or across the street from a nearby elementary school. In the event that your payment takes over 6 days to post to your LDR account, please feel free to call our taxpayer services department for additional are NOT included in the balance due to LDR. In November 2021, EPA Administrator Michael Regan visited people living near the facility during his Journey to Justice tour, a survey of polluted communities across the south. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Note: This system may contain Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU) data that requires specific data privacy handling. DuPont remains the owner of the land beneath Denkas facility and acts as a landlord, according to the complaint, meaning DuPont may need to grant permissions in order for emissions to be reduced. Chloroprene is a liquid raw material used to produce neoprene and is emitted into the air from various areas at the facility. In particular, he expressed concern for the 300 students attending the nearby Fifth Ward Elementary School. Donate today to keep our climate news free. Director: Millard Mul, Gaming The lawyers and staff in our office work hard every day to defend our national security, improve the safety and quality of life in . Denka Performance Elastomer LLC makes synthetic rubber, emitting the carcinogen chloroprene, in such high . 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. YouTube. Sure, some folks love to use the mail. 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. St. Charles Parish Waterworks 301 Third Street Luling, LA 70070 985-783-5110 http://stcharlesparish-la.gov/ Need Help Paying? Twitter, Follow us on WASHINGTON Today, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in coordination with the U.S. Attorneys 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 neoprene manufacturing facility in LaPlace, Louisiana. 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. Director: Angelique Freel, Criminal Its complicated. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. An official website of the United States government. To set up payment arrangements, please contact ODR at 225-219-2188 or 844-330-6176. The only newsroom focused on exploring solutions at the intersection of climate and justice. 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. licenses and permits previously issued to taxpayers that have failed to meet their tax obligations. DO NOT USE THIS FORM FOR CRIMINAL PAYMENTS. If you have any questions call the DOJ Consolidated Debt Collection System (CDCS) Help Desk at 1-800-683-6567. Any refund not claimed by the deadline remains the property of the taxpayer, and can be retrieved from the Unclaimed Property Division. Now, the DOJ has filed a complaint to compel Denka to further reduce its hazardous emissions. On Jan. 23, taxpayers can begin filing their state income tax returns electronically through Louisiana File Online, the states free web portal for individual tax filers. Oversees all departmentoperations. A locked padlock Sonia Mallett has spent the majority of the last 25 years serving with the Louisiana Department of Justice. Provides legal services to the statein the areas of consumer protection and environmental law, insurance receivership, and fair housing. for more information. NOTE: Fees and fines imposed by the licensing agency that are applicable to the reinstatement of the suspended or revoked license/permit 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 For ACH transactions, a state charge of $2.00 will be added to your invoice in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 49:316.1. Director: Elise Cazes, Civil These payments must be made to your U. S. District Court Clerks Office. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. She also served as Executive Counsel to Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System and practiced law with a Baton Rouge firm. 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 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.. An official website of the United States government. ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Our mission is to protect and serve all residents of Southeast Louisiana through enforcement of the laws of the United States. 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. 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. 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. Every justice of the peace and constable is required to attend the Justices of the Peace Training course offered by the attorney general at least once every other year. ContractforProfessionalLegalServicesTemplate.pdf, GuidetoLAJPCourts2ndEdition9.28.2021forweb.pdf, AmendedOpenMeetingsGuidanceinlightofCOVID-19andtherecentpassageofR.S.4217.1.pdf. outreach programs, community resources, and victim-witness services. If you have any questions regarding TEFRAs, Contracts, or Resolutions - you may contact Michelle Boutte at bouttem@ag.louisiana.gov or Monica Reed at reedm@ag.louisiana.gov. Director: Mike Dupree. 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 Louisiana Department of Justice 176 followers 3w Today, Dennis Perkins admitted to his despicable crimes and pled guilty in court. Our suit aims to stop Denkas dangerous pollution.. Should funds be transmitted by these vendors Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry. have been levied for prior non payment. 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. A lock ( 3 min read. 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.. Your Address, Corporation Income/Franchise Extension Request, File returns and pay taxes electronically, Check the status of individual income tax refunds, Submitting completed state individual income tax returns and making payments (staff cannot assist with the completion of tax returns), ATC/Video Poker/Lottery/Drivers License/Wildlife & Fisheries tax clearances, Resolving bank levies and wage garnishments. 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. The action raises the stakes in a longstanding conflict between the Louisiana plant, nearby residents and the Environmental Protection Agency. Official websites use .gov The office, closed in 2012 due to state budget cuts, will re-open on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022. 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 . What should I do if I believe I have paid this debt? Taxpayers can minimize delays in receiving their refunds by updating their contact information with LDR. You must be signed in to submit this form. Pay.gov requires the use of cookies. "The unavoidable closure of our . 0:00 / 3:50. Environmental lawyers and residents of St. John have petitioned state and federal authorities to do more to tamp down Denkas emissions for years. 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. 1999-2023 Grist Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. 1999-2023 Grist Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. Louisianas Department of Environmental Quality reached an agreement with Denka requiring the company to install pollution controls in 2017. 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. 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