Governor Abbott Amplifies East Plano Islamic Center Scrutiny

Governor Greg Abbott (R) has announced that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has found that the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) and its affiliated entities failed to obtain the necessary permits for their proposed construction project.

Because of the findings, TCEQ has ordered them to confirm within seven days that they are ceasing all construction activities or face legal consequences.

In a statement, Governor Abbott commented that “the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality found that the group behind the proposed EPIC compound did not submit the required permits to begin construction.” “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,” he added.

The announcement follows an effort from the governor to investigate EPIC and its affiliated entities. Multiple Texas agencies are examining potential violations, which includes possible criminal activities, financial misconduct, and illegal funeral service operations. Among the agencies involved in the investigations are the Texas Rangers, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's (R) Office.

According to Governor Abbott’s office, EPIC is currently under scrutiny for the following:

• Potential criminal activities, as investigated by the Texas Rangers.
• Possible violations of the Texas Fair Housing Act, as investigated by the Texas Workforce Commission.
• Potential financial harm to Texans, under investigation by the Texas State Securities Board.
• Unlawful funeral service operations, leading to a cease-and-desist order from the Texas Funeral Service Commission.
• Possible violations of Texas consumer protection laws, under investigation by the Texas Attorney General.

Governor Abbott reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the law, commenting, “The State of Texas will enforce its laws and protect our communities from unlawful actions or threats posed by EPIC or its affiliates.”