State of Texas files lawsuit against Milwhite Inc.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The State of Texas on behalf of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has filed a lawsuit against Milwhite Incorporated.

The lawsuit was filed for violations of the Texas Clean Air Act seeking injunctive relief, civil penalties, attorney's fees and costs and any other available relief under the act, according to a news release.

The City of Brownsville filed a lawsuit against Milwhite Inc. after residents on Rey Jaime Street complained about constant dust from the plant covering the neighborhood and making residents sick.

State Representative Erin Elizabeth Gámez, and Brownsville City Commissioner Linda C. Macias released the following joint statement:

They added that the situation regretfully came to a lawsuit. However, they claim it is necessary for the State of Texas to take action.

In a previous ValleyCentral report, residents said they experienced long-term health issues as a result of Milwhite Inc.

"Our property is being affected,” said Adhlemy Sanchez, a Brownsville resident. “We have damages to our roofs, and that’s not cheap to replace."

State Senator Morgan LaMantia stated that Milwhite Inc.'s disregard for state environmental regulations cannot be tolerated any longer and that the lawsuit may bring much-needed relief to the community.

“When the health and quality of life of families and children are disrupted by conscious harmful actions, we must pursue every available avenue until reaching resolution and accountability," LaMantia added. "It is unacceptable that our neighbors in the Brownsville community have suffered from health risks and disruptions from conscious negligence, and we hope for justice to be served."

The City of Brownsville is advocating for the company to be shut down if Milwhite Inc. does not improve conditions and stop dust from affecting the health and property of residents.