Trump administration lifts Monday’s freeze on critical funding, but with an ominous threat

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration announced today it is rescinding its memo to freeze federal grant funding after a federal court issued an order staying its effect. Still, the White House indicated that agencies will continue to withhold critical environmental funding for programs that help communities recover from extreme weather events, monitor air and water pollution, and help to lower high energy bills through clean energy projects.

The rescission follows Monday night’s announcement that would have jeopardized federal funding, grants, and loan programs that provide much needed environmental support and resources. As it announced the recission of the memo, the administration emphasized that it expects agencies to implement executive orders that were the subject of the memo.

“We joined countless voices yesterday, across the country, raising concerns about the blanket stoppage of critical federal funding that provides millions of Americans with access to cleaner air, water and energy, and protects communities from the worst impacts of the climate crisis,” said Geoff Gisler, Program Director for the Southern Environmental Law Center. “The administration came to its senses by withdrawing the memo, which would have illegally prevented agencies from distributing Congressionally authorized funding. The executive orders that similarly direct agencies to illegally withhold funds should also be rescinded.”