NAACP Joins Amicus Brief to Stop Discriminatory Water Liens, Disproportionately Harming Black Homeowners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 11, 2024

Contact: Chyna Fields, [email protected]

WASHINGTON - Today, the NAACP alongside the Ohio State Conference of the NAACP, and the Cleveland Branch of the NAACP joined Pickett v. City of Cleveland, an amicus brief which highlights the issues of placing water liens on homes as well as shutting off water supplies and how they primarily impact Black communities. The brief also argues that by putting water liens on houses for failure of payment, the City puts such houses at greater risk of foreclosure.

Abre' Conner, NAACP Director of Environmental and Climate Justice, shared the following statement:

"The NAACP stands firm in our belief that everybody deserves clean drinking water, and a safe place to live. That's why we strongly oppose discriminatory water lien policies that further perpetuate water access inequities and exacerbate housing insecurity. Black communities across the country are more likely to face Safe Drinking Water Act violations, being forced to grapple with unsafe drinking water at the hands of decisions that were not their own.

A disinvestment in water infrastructure drives disparities, resulting in Black Americans being left to foot the bill for utilities they may not even be able to use, putting their housing security at risk. As with many other systemic failures, the inextricable link between housing discrimination and water access is clear. We will continue to advocate for policies that reverse these archaic policies and advance housing, and water justice for all."

In 2014, the NAACP passed a resolution denouncing public utility shut offs and continues to stand by this position. It remains our mission to protect Black Americans and ensure there are strong policy solutions for infrastructure gaps that lead to environmental injustice across the country.

For more information on our environmental and climate justice work, visit our website.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.

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