Industrial and mining activities that pollute the air steal years away from the people who live nearby.

Those who live in low-income neighborhoods and neighborhoods of color die younger than their counterparts in richer, whiter neighborhoods. The Law Center represents residents in these communities in their battle to fend off polluting industry and preserve their right to clean air.

Honstein Fuel Depot

Case: Closed Our clients in this case challenged the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Joint Air Quality Control Board’s method of permitting a 6,000 gallon gasoline storage tank that is located near homes in the San Jose neighborhood.

South Valley Stationary Air Pollution Source Density

Title VI Complaint over air quality in Albuquerque, Bernalillo County

Case: Closed. The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County have a track record of permitting air polluting facilities in low-income neighborhoods of color. NMELC and its clients are advocating for healthy air in the neighborhoods through local and federal action. One such effort was a federal civil rights complaint filed against the City and County. In 2016, the EPA agreed to investigate our allegations.