Back

Director's Picks

Judge slams EPA’s climate grant cancellations: ‘You have to have some kind of evidence’

Summary

A federal judge sharply criticized the EPA’s cancellation of $20 billion in climate grants, questioning the agency’s lack of evidence for wrongdoing. Judge Tanya Chutkan pressed EPA lawyers to justify terminating grants, including a $7 billion award to Climate United Fund. The EPA, under Administrator Lee Zeldin, has argued the cuts are necessary but has not provided clear reasons. The judge noted that while administrations can change policies, legal procedures must still be followed. Climate United warned that without funding, layoffs and project disruptions are imminent. Another grant recipient, the Coalition for Green Capital, has also sued the EPA and Citibank, alleging unlawful termination. The court has given both sides until March 17 to file additional arguments, leaving grant recipients in uncertainty.

discover more

March 19, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) stresses that low-carbon farming is essential for Northern Ireland’s climate goals.

March 19, 2025

The UN's World Meteorological Organization reports that the past decade was the hottest on record, with 2024 surpassing the 1.5°C warming limit.

March 17, 2025
Environment & Climate Legislation
Environment & Climate Legislation

Trump’s vow to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, some Republicans and business leaders back its clean energy tax credits...

March 17, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

The Trump administration shut down EPA environmental justice offices, laying off hundreds amid broader attacks on DEI efforts.

March 18, 2025

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempt to recoup $20 billion in Biden-era climate...

March 18, 2025

Ana Toni, Brazil's chief executive of the upcoming Cop30 summit, emphasizes that nations must integrate climate action...

March 14, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

The Trump administration is reviewing and canceling environmental justice grants, putting projects aimed at clean water, disaster shelters, and renewable energy at risk.

March 14, 2025

The Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration (AVP) has launched a $142.5 million initiative to improve energy efficiency and resilience in 336 public housing communities.

March 14, 2025
Energy
Energy

With Gaza’s power infrastructure largely destroyed, solar energy has become a critical lifeline for residents.

March 14, 2025

Climate activists protested outside the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston, demanding transparency and accountability from industry leaders.

March 14, 2025

After the devastating 2024 Texas Panhandle wildfires, which burned over a million acres, state officials are considering a $500 million investment...

March 13, 2025
Human Health
Human Health

U.S. metro areas are experiencing renewed population growth, primarily driven by immigration, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

March 13, 2025
Energy
Energy

Despite the Trump administration’s opposition to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its focus on fossil fuels, renewable energy investments remain strong due to high...

March 13, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

Lithium Americas has secured a $250 million investment to advance its lithium mine at Thacker Pass, Nevada, despite strong opposition from Indigenous tribes who consider the site

March 12, 2025
Climate
Climate

A federal judge sharply criticized the EPA’s cancellation of $20 billion in climate grants, questioning the agency’s lack of evidence for wrongdoing.