Pennsylvania Climate Programs Face Cuts in Lawsuit Against Trump
In a recent turn of events, Pennsylvania’s environmental and climate-related programs have faced a significant setback due to a freeze on federal funding by President Donald Trump and his administration. Governor Josh Shapiro brought this issue to light in a lawsuit filed on Thursday, challenging the legality of these cuts and seeking justice for the state’s vital programs.
Numerous states, including Pennsylvania, have taken legal action against the Trump administration over the blocked funding. Despite temporary orders to lift the freeze in some cases, the battle continues. A recent ruling in a case involving 22 states and Washington, D.C., highlighted the defiance of the Trump administration towards these temporary restraining orders.
The lawsuit filed by Governor Shapiro’s administration in the federal court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania emphasizes that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies lack the legal authority to slash funding that has been duly authorized by Congress. The aim is to challenge the unconstitutional actions of these agencies and demand an end to the funding freeze that is jeopardizing crucial initiatives in Pennsylvania.
The essence of the lawsuit revolves around restoring order and upholding the law, as stated in the 38-page complaint. Governor Shapiro and the Commonwealth Agencies are striving to prevent federal agency defendants from overstepping their boundaries and undermining the statutes that allocate billions in federal funds to Pennsylvania agencies. This legal battle sheds light on the power struggle between the federal government and the state, emphasizing the importance of honoring legislative decisions.
The heart of the issue lies in the unlawful freezing of funds by the Trump administration. The complaint explicitly states that no provision grants any federal agency the authority to unilaterally halt spending of congressionally appropriated funds that have been earmarked for Pennsylvania. This clash of policies and appropriations underscores the need for a clear delineation of powers and responsibilities within the government.
The crux of the matter dates back to January 28 when Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) received an email from the EPA, informing them of a pause in funding related to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This decision, influenced by an executive order on “Unleashing American Energy” issued by Trump, lacked clarity on the legal basis for such actions, as highlighted in the complaint.
As of February 12, the repercussions of this funding freeze were evident, with $1.2 billion in federal funding frozen and an additional $900 million under federal review, classified as “restricted.” These funds are integral to critical programs in Pennsylvania, including grants for clean-water infrastructure, greenhouse gas reduction initiatives for industries, and the remediation of abandoned mines and toxic runoff sites. The impact of these frozen funds extends to various sectors, hindering progress and creating financial burdens for ongoing projects.
Subheadings:
