Appeals Court Halts Release of Climate Grants

Federal judges, including Mary S. McElroy and Tanya S. Chutkan, ruled that the Trump administration unlawfully froze or terminated billions in climate and infrastructure grants allocated under the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Judge Chutkan criticized the EPA for acting arbitrarily in suspending and canceling grants, while Judge McElroy ordered immediate resumption of funding, citing limited agency authority to block congressionally-mandated programs. Despite these orders, an appeals court has temporarily maintained the freeze on the funds while the legal process continues. The judges emphasized that executive agencies cannot override congressional appropriations without explicit legislative direction, invoking the 'major questions doctrine.' Nonprofit groups, such as Climate United Fund, argue the ongoing freeze endangers community projects and jobs, while the EPA and Trump administration assert they are protecting taxpayer interests. The outcome will determine the fate of $20 billion for climate initiatives and may set a precedent for executive control over congressional spending.