California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with attorneys general from 19 other states and territories, has submitted an amicus brief in support of Earthjustice, Public Rights Project, and the Southern Environmental Law Center. The lawsuit challenges the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to terminate the Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant program. This program was established through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to provide communities with resources for clean air, safe water, and healthy living environments.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of these funds: “Congress directed these funds to protect public health and address long-standing environmental injustices in communities that have borne the brunt of pollution for decades,” he stated. He expressed strong opposition to what he views as illegal actions by the Trump Administration in dismantling critical environmental justice programs.
The terminated program had promised over $1.38 billion to more than 200 grantees across various sectors including non-profits, local governments, Native American tribes, and educational institutions. In California alone, at least 40 grantees were set to receive over $301 million before the termination occurred.
The coalition argues that halting these grants disproportionately affects marginalized groups such as Native American tribes and low-income neighborhoods. They contend that stopping these projects increases health risks for vulnerable populations and undermines Congress’s intentions when passing the IRA.
The amicus brief claims that the plaintiffs have a strong case against the EPA’s decision to rescind grants explicitly authorized by Congress under the IRA.
Attorney General Bonta co-led this effort alongside his counterparts from New York and Massachusetts. Other states involved include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
A copy of the amicus brief is available for review.
