"Trump’s funding freeze for the Inflation Reduction Act is now paused, but only for the 23 states and the District of Columbia that sued to restore the flow of funds."
"A federal judge Thursday blocked the Trump administration’s freezing of congressionally approved federal funding, which has affected a variety of services and programs across the country, including climate and conservation work approved under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Judge John McConnell of the U.S. District Court of Rhode Island issued a preliminary injunction halting agencies from continuing their freeze of federal funds, writing in his decision that the executive branch does not have the power to dictate the ending of programs and funding approved by Congress.
McConnell’s ruling represented a major win for a group of 23 states and the District of Columbia that sued Trump over the freeze, as the case now moves forward. But it remains to be seen whether funds to local governments and businesses for climate work will begin to flow again.
“The Executive’s categorical freeze of appropriated and obligated funds fundamentally undermines the distinct constitutional roles of each branch of our government,” McConnell wrote in his decision. “The interaction of the three co-equal branches of government is an intricate, delicate, and sophisticated balance—but it is crucial to our form of constitutional governance. Here, the Executive put itself above Congress.”"
Wyatt Myskow reports for Inside Climate News March 6, 2025.
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