Judge Blocks EPA from Canceling Pollution Grants

A federal judge has ruled that the EPA under the Trump administration overstepped its authority by canceling $600 million in environmental justice grants. The funding, part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act's $3 billion allocation, was intended to help underserved communities combat pollution.

The Biden-era EPA had planned to distribute the funds through regional groups to support local cleanup efforts. Judge Adam Abelson found the cancellation unlawful, citing a lack of justification and the grants’ clear environmental justice focus.

These grants aimed to assist communities disproportionately affected by pollution and climate change. Their cancellation would have disrupted crucial health and environmental improvements just as progress was being made.

The Trump administration has also attempted to cancel a separate $20 billion program targeting climate-friendly initiatives.

24-06-2025