New Jersey officials launched a series of lawsuits Thursday targeting what it called polluters of lower-income and minority communities as part of a new environmental justice initiative.
The eight civil suits were filed by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Three of the suits are centered on sites in Pennsauken, Palmyra, and Camden, and involve poisoned wells, illegal dumping by a recycler said to have mob ties, and a service station from which hundreds of gallons of gasoline seeped into a neighboring tavern’s basement.
“Environmental justice means that everyone, no matter race, ethnicity, color, national origin, or income, deserves to live and work in a healthy and clean environment,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “But too often, the same communities suffer the worst environmental problems over and over again but don’t get the support that they need."
