Title VI Law and EPA Non-Discrimination Regulations
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. §2000d to 2000d-7) (pdf) prohibits recipients of federal financial assistance from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin in their programs or activities. Title VI itself prohibits intentional discrimination.
Under EPA's Title VI implementing regulation found at 40 C.F.R. Part 7 (pdf) , EPA-funded agencies are prohibited from taking actions, including permitting actions, that are intentionally discriminatory or have a discriminatory effect based on race, color, or national origin.
Title VI discrimination complaints may be filed with the federal agency that provided the financial assistance. EPA's Office of External Civil Rights Compliance (OECRC) is responsible for EPA's enforcement of Title VI. All Title VI administrative complaints are processed and investigated by OECRC.