Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has found that the East Plano Islamic Center and its affiliated entities have not obtained the necessary permits required for the construction and development of their proposed project.
As a result, TCEQ has sent a letter to EPIC, notifying the group that any construction carried out without the appropriate authorizations would be in violation of state law. The commission has demanded that EPIC confirm within seven days that it has halted any construction activities.
Governor Abbott expressed concern over the situation, emphasizing that the construction is illegal unless proper permits are obtained. “The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality found that the group behind the proposed EPIC compound did not submit the required permits to begin construction,” said Abbott.
“They must confirm within seven days that they are immediately ceasing any construction of their illegal project or face the full weight of the law. The State of Texas will enforce its laws and protect our communities from unlawful actions or threats posed by EPIC or its affiliates.”
In addition to TCEQ’s findings, Governor Abbott has called on several state agencies to investigate potential criminal and legal violations by EPIC and its affiliated organizations. These investigations involve the Texas Rangers, Texas Workforce Commission, Texas State Securities Board, Texas Funeral Service Commission, and the Attorney General of Texas.
The Texas Rangers are investigating EPIC and its affiliates for potential criminal activities. The Texas Workforce Commission is looking into possible violations of the Texas Fair Housing Act, while the Texas State Securities Board is examining the financial implications of the project for residents of Texas.
Furthermore, the Texas Funeral Service Commission has issued a cease-and-desist order for EPIC to immediately stop all funeral service operations that are not legally authorized. The Attorney General of Texas is also involved in an investigation to determine if EPIC’s actions violate state consumer protection laws.
Governor Abbott previously announced that a dozen state agencies are collaborating to investigate the activities of EPIC and its affiliated groups, signaling a robust effort to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights and safety of Texas residents. The ongoing investigations underscore the state’s commitment to ensuring compliance with state regulations and addressing any potential unlawful actions.
