Some good news before the holiday. Did you see the latest media coverage?

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) informed us that they will be investigating New York State Department of Public Safety (DPS)'s role in the construction of the North Brooklyn pipeline. This investigation is in addition to the EPA’s investigation to determine whether the Department of Environmental Conservation is in violation of Title VI for discriminating against communities of color, including bypassing environmental safety regulations and failing to meaningfully inform communities about the project.

This is a promising development -- and one step closer toward ensuring that the health, safety, and environmental rights of communities of color are upheld.

“I am outraged that this pipeline was built in my community without my knowledge or consent. As the already densely populated New York City continues to build much needed low-income housing in the neighborhood, there is an even greater risk of emergency if there is a leak or explosion and people have to evacuate. I am also terrified for my son’s future and the possible health effects associated with this pipeline,” said Celina Trowell, a Black woman, social worker, and community organizer with Brownsville Green Justice, who lives close to the pipeline with her son and husband and is one of the clients represented in the complaint. 

You can read the groundbreaking federal civil rights complaint we filed with New York Law School. 

Today, we give gratitude to frontline organizers and activists who are continuing to demand accountability and justice, and preservation of the land.