Trump Administration defies federal court in refusing to fund illegally canceled grant program 

WASHINGTON – The Southern Environmental Law Center and Public Rights Project called on the South Carolina federal district court today to require the Trump Administration’s EPA to comply with the court’s recent ruling.   

Earlier this month, South Carolina’s federal district court ruled that EPA’s decision to terminate the Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant Program was illegal and that the agency is required to administer the program. However, EPA has now confirmed in writing that the agency has no plans to comply with the court’s order. 

The Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant Program is an almost $3 billion program to support community-based initiatives such as natural disaster preparedness, improving and monitoring air quality, mitigating stormwater and flood damage, and combatting high energy costs. Those funds are only available until September 30, 2026.  

Today’s motion asks the Court to clarify that its ruling compels EPA to distribute this funding before the deadline, and if necessary, to order additional measures to ensure the money is used for its intended purpose.  

“EPA’s response to this ruling is yet another example of this administration’s disregard for the rule of law. The court told them in no uncertain terms that their arbitrary decision to cancel this program was illegal. Today we are asking the court to instruct EPA it is not above the law by requiring the agency to take action to comply with the court’s ruling. This administration cannot be allowed to run out the clock on these essential funds our communities need,” SELC Litigation Director Kym Meyer said.  

“Cities and counties across the country were counting on these funds to address urgent environmental and climate harms. They went to court, proved the program was unlawfully terminated, and won. EPA can’t now pretend that victory means nothing. The agency must follow the law and ensure these communities receive the support Congress promised,” said Toby Merrill, Public Rights Project’s litigation director.