Trump administration sued over frozen climate funds

A coalition that was awarded $7 billion for climate and housing projects has sued the Trump administration and Citibank, accusing them of unlawfully blocking access to the funds.

Gloria Gonzalez reports for POLITICO.

In short:

Climate United, a recipient of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grants under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, filed suit to force Citibank to release the money and prevent the EPA from interfering.
The lawsuit argues the Trump administration is illegally withholding funds appropriated by Congress and violating contract law and the Constitution.
The EPA has criticized the fund as a “green slush fund,” but has not formally accused Climate United of misusing money or violating grant terms.

Key quote:

“EPA has failed to provide Climate United with a reasoned explanation for its actions or a meaningful opportunity to object or to be heard.”

— Climate United lawsuit

Why this matters:

The lawsuit highlights the ongoing battle over climate funding as the Trump administration seeks to undo Biden-era policies. The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, the largest program in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, was designed to drive private investment in clean energy and infrastructure. Blocking these funds could stall renewable energy projects, slow efforts to cut emissions, and impact jobs in the green sector. The case also raises broader questions about an overreach of executive branch power in withholding congressionally approved funds.

www.politico.com

Trump administration sued over frozen climate funds

Clothes that cool you, warm you — and make power as you move

Gas from thawing Arctic permafrost is changing world's climate future

‘Explosion of melt rates’: 20% of Swiss glaciers lost in five years

Climate change’s compounding pressures on rural North Carolina

The true cost of Trump's fuel economy rollbacks

Montana officials praise repeal of power plant emission regulations, watchdog groups pan decision

The surprising allies backing Boulder's climate case before the Supreme Court

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.