San Francisco has officially joined a federal class action lawsuit challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to freeze a crucial grant program.
The lawsuit, which was announced by San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu’s office, marks at least the third occasion where the city and county have taken legal action against the federal government.
Previously, San Francisco engaged in lawsuits against President Donald Trump’s administration concerning the withholding of grants from vital agencies, including the U.S. Justice Department and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The grant program at the center of the current suit is the EPA’s Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant initiative, which was established under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Congress allocated $3 billion to this program to support various initiatives aimed at enhancing air quality monitoring, preparing for natural disasters, protecting against floods and stormwater issues, and reducing pollution.
Eligible recipients of these grants include local governments, nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, and institutions of higher education.
As part of the lawsuit, the Treasure Island Mobility Management Agency, responsible for transportation infrastructure developments on Treasure Island, is also a plaintiff.
Additionally, there are 22 other named plaintiffs hailing from various locations across the nation.
The legal case, titled Appalachian Voices, et al. v. United States Environmental Protection Agency et al., was filed last week in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
The plaintiffs are seeking a resumption of grant payments to all 350 recipients previously awarded funds from the Climate Justice program.
City Attorney David Chiu emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that climate change poses an existential threat that must not be overlooked.
He highlighted that the funding is essential for communities to confront significant environmental challenges.
Chiu remarked, “Once again, Trump is attempting to illegally terminate funding to promote his anti-environmental policies — all at the expense of our communities and our climate.”
The lawsuit outlines several projects funded by the grant program, including initiatives focused on lead pipe replacements, tree planting in urban heat zones, and the installation of pollution notification systems.
There are also investments aimed at enhancing climate resilience against extreme weather events detailed in the civil complaint.
San Francisco’s grant was for $1 million over a three-year period, while the Treasure Island Mobility Management Agency had been awarded a significantly larger grant of $20 million intended for six different transportation projects.
“By joining this lawsuit, we’re working to ensure that our communities continue to benefit from federal support that advances climate goals and invests in a healthier, more connected future,” stated San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey.
Dorsey, who chairs the Treasure Island Mobility Management Agency, explained that the grant funds were vital for sustaining a free shuttle service on the island, as well as a bikeshare program.
The new lawsuit mirrors previous actions taken by the city, asserting that the Trump administration is violating the U.S. Constitution’s Separation of Powers doctrine, which dictates that Congress holds authority over spending.
It also contends that the cancellation of the grants contravenes the Administrative Procedures Act, which restricts how federal agencies can formulate new rules.
Furthermore, the lawsuit references the Constitution’s Presentment Clause, which endows the president with the power to veto Congressional bills but prohibits alterations to signed laws.
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