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Filing Procedures for Administrative Complaints

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, (Title VI) prohibits recipients of federal financial assistance (such as state environmental departments) from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin in their programs or activities. Title VI itself prohibits intentional discrimination. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. Sections 2000d to 2000d-7) (PDF) (13 pp, 23 K, About PDF)

Under EPA's Title VI implementing regulations found at 40 C.F.R. Part 7 (PDF), (11 pp, 40 K, About PDF) EPA-funded permitting agencies are prohibited from 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 Civil Rights (OCR) is responsible for the Agency's administration of Title VI. All Title VI administrative complaints are processed and investigated by OCR.

To find out more information, please choose one of the following:

  1. How to File a Title VI Complaint
  2. Information on EPA's Title VI Investigative Approaches
  3. Informal Resolution of Civil Rights Complaints

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