Judge Blocks EPA From Terminating Part of $20 Billion Biden-Era Climate Grants

The Environmental Protection Agency acted unlawfully when it froze the funding in February, the judge found.

Vice President JD Vance (R) and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (L) listen as Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin (C) speaks at the East Palestine Fire Station in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 3, 2025. Gene J. Puskar /AP Photo

A federal judge on April 15 blocked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from terminating part of the $20 billion Biden-era climate grants, finding that the agency acted unlawfully when it froze funding for awardees and sub-awardees in mid-February.

In a three-page order, District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan ruled in favor of the Climate United Fund and other groups that sued Citibank, the EPA, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin in March for withholding the funds.