Plans for the construction of the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) have hit a roadblock as Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared, through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), that the necessary authorizations and permits have not been secured for the project to proceed. According to the Office of the Office of the Texas Governor notified EPIC that any construction activity would be in breach of state law, demanding confirmation from the group that they halt any ongoing construction within seven days.
"The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality found that the group behind the proposed EPIC compound did not submit the required permits to begin construction," Governor Abbott stated. He also emphasized, "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 Office of the Texas Governor underscored Texas' commitment to enforcing its laws and safeguarding communities from any perceived threats by EPIC or its affiliates.
In a sweeping move to uphold state regulations, multiple investigations have been launched into EPIC's activities. The Texas Rangers are looking into potential criminal activities, while the Texas Workforce Commission is examining allegations of discrimination that might defy the Texas Fair Housing Act. The focus extends to potential financial harms, with the Texas State Securities Board currently involved in probing EPIC’s operations. On a different front, the Texas Funeral Service Commission has sent a cease-and-desist letter to EPIC, ordering them to stop any unauthorised funeral services immediately, as per the Office of the Texas Governor.
Adding to the scrutiny, the Attorney General of Texas is investigating potential consumer protection law violations by EPIC and its affiliates. Just last week, Governor Abbott announced probes by a dozen state agencies into potentially illicit activities by the Islamic center's affiliated entities, a show of aggressive oversight that underscores the tension between religious freedom, and the state’s regulatory interests.
