Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 –
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires Federal agencies to ensure that all programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance that affect human health or the environment do not directly, or through contractual or other arrangements, use criteria, methods, or practices that discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin. The Supreme Court has ruled that Title VI authorizes Federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to adopt implementing regulations that prohibit discriminatory effects. Frequently, discrimination results from policies and practices that may appear neutral on their face, but have the effect of discriminating. Neutral policies or practices – including, for example – NPDES permits – that result in the discriminatory effects violate Title VI regulations unless it is shown that the are justified and that there is no less discriminatory alternative.
Source: River Network