EPA Sued Nationwide Over Grant Cancellations

Environmental organizations and local governments, including Air Alliance Houston, 2C Mississippi, and Downwinders at Risk in North Texas, have filed a class-action lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency over the cancellation of $3 billion in Environmental and Climate Justice grants. The plaintiffs argue that the EPA's termination of the grants, which funded projects like air quality monitoring, pollution notification systems, and resilience hubs, is unlawful since Congress had approved the funding and recipients met all requirements. The EPA claims the cuts were made to comply with executive orders and to save taxpayer money. The lawsuit contends that the President lacks the constitutional authority to unilaterally cancel congressionally-mandated funding. This legal action coincides with recent Supreme Court rulings that further limit EPA regulatory powers and relax environmental impact review requirements, reflecting a broader weakening of federal environmental protections. Environmental advocates warn these developments could worsen air and water quality and exacerbate climate-related challenges for vulnerable communities.