A brief freeze on federal grants by President Donald Trump left many environmental and infrastructure programs in limbo, raising concerns about future funding cuts.
Melina Walling reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- The Trump administration briefly froze funding for 2,600 federal programs before rescinding the order, leaving uncertainty about future spending cuts.
- Communities across the country, like Prichard, Alabama, rely on federal grants to repair critical infrastructure, such as aging water systems that leak more than half their water.
- Programs supporting clean energy, school bus electrification and aid for Black farmers face potential funding threats as Trump signals broader cuts.
Key quote:
“These programs help low-income families reduce their energy costs, enable local governments to fight pollution and put countless Americans to work.”
— Zealan Hoover, former EPA official
Why this matters:
Federal grants are a critical lifeline for infrastructure projects, pollution reduction and support for marginalized communities. These funds help cities modernize water systems, expand clean energy initiatives and address long-standing environmental injustices in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by pollution. Uncertainty in funding, however, threatens to stall progress. For residents in vulnerable areas, this uncertainty isn’t just a bureaucratic challenge — it can mean prolonged exposure to contaminated water, worsening air quality and fewer job opportunities in the growing green economy.
Learn more: States challenge Trump’s funding freeze
