DOJ Launches Environmental Crimes Task Force for USVI, Puerto Rico By Source staff May 18, 2023

The Justice Department has announced the launch of the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Environmental Crimes Task Force to investigate and prosecute violations of federal law harming the environment, wildlife and human health, and associated fraud, waste and abuse in the region.

The creation of the task force comes one year after the department announced its Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy and the creation of an Office of Environmental Justice within the Environment and Natural Resources Division.

The effort is aimed at advancing environmental justice in underserved communities that have been historically marginalized and overburdened, including low-income communities, communities of color and Tribal and Indigenous communities.

It also comes as residents of St. Croix have expressed concern this week over chemical smells around the island’s container port that they say have left some feeling sickened. Officials from the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources said Wednesday that worry about the scent was likely the result of people’s hypersensitivity as hazardous materials were being removed from the nearby oil refinery.