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Court Forces Release of $176 M in Halted Climate Grants

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Charleston, South Carolina, USA

May 22, 2025 1 Positive General

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Charleston, South Carolina, USA: A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration illegally froze $176 million in previously allocated climate and environmental grants, ordering a full restoration of funds. Plaintiffs—13 nonprofits and several city governments—had argued they were forced to halt projects like sustainable farming, pollution remediation, and coastal protections. The judge emphasized that the executive branch cannot override congressional appropriations unilaterally. Environmental groups see the decision as a milestone, ensuring vital local initiatives can resume.

What this means for you:

•	Local environmental efforts—tree planting, coastal defenses, clean energy—may regain momentum if they receive reactivated grants.
•	If you work in the green sector, watch for revived hiring or project funding opportunities.
•	Taxpayers might see improved environmental outcomes without new legislation—these funds were already approved by Congress.
•	Future executive-level moves to withhold allocated money could face similar legal obstacles.

Key Entities

• Judge Richard Gergel: U.S. District Judge ruling the freeze violated the separation of powers.
• Southern Environmental Law Center: A lead counsel representing nonprofits that rely on climate grants.
• Inflation Reduction Act grants: Part of the legislative framework behind many climate programs impacted by the freeze.

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Highlights the legal victory and immediate impacts for projects.

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