NY AG Blocks Illegal Grant Program Shutdown

New York Attorney General Letitia James has taken a bold stand against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by leading a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief to block the unlawful termination of the Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant Program.

The program, established by Congress under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, was designed to offer vital support to communities disproportionately affected by pollution and climate change. Attorney General James asserts that the abrupt shutdown has caused significant harm, particularly in low-income and minority neighborhoods, and is urging the court to halt the termination pending a lawsuit.

‘These climate and environmental justice grants are a lifeline for communities that have been historically left behind,’ said Attorney General James. ‘When the federal government breaks its promises to our most vulnerable, the consequences can be deadly. We are fighting to restore this program to protect New Yorkers as we combat the climate crisis.’

The brief filed in Appalachian Voices v. EPA highlights that terminating the grant program is inflicting lasting harm on communities already burdened by pollution and climate change effects. These communities often face environmental and public health crises exacerbated by historical discriminatory policies.

In New York, over $70 million was awarded to 22 grantees for projects like protecting residents from extreme weather events and combating flooding and air pollution. The sudden termination has led to layoffs and the halting of programming, according to the attorneys general’s argument.

Attorney General James and the coalition argue that EPA’s cancellation of the grants violates clear congressional directives and constitutional principles. They emphasize that Congress mandated the distribution of $3 billion in funding specifically for addressing these disparities, and they are committed to ensuring that the grant program is restored.

RELATED: James Blocks Trump’s Illegal Funding Freeze

RELATED: Trump Hit with Lawsuit Over Illegal Tariffs