TL/DR –
Earthjustice, on behalf of nonprofits and small farmers, has sued the administration for unlawfully withholding grant funds under the Inflation Reduction Act. The funding freeze has hampered businesses and communities that were depending on it; Butterbee Farm, for instance, owes $36,000 to a solar company and is unable to pay due to this freeze. Advocacy groups like GreenLatinos argue that the continued uncertainty of the program leaves communities at risk of work stoppages and layoffs, and are therefore taking action to ensure government accountability.
Lawsuit Filed Against Administration for Withholding Grants
Hana Vizcarra, Earthjustice Attorney, states: “We’ve launched a lawsuit today against the administration for illegally withholding grants provided by Congress under the Inflation Reduction Act. Representing nonprofits and small-scale farmers, our goal is to push the administration to adhere to their financial obligations, release the IRA funds, and prevent further irreversible damage.”
Laura Beth Resnick of Butterbee Farm reveals: “We were notified by the USDA that our funding was denied due to the freeze. Currently, we owe the solar company approximately $36,000, funds we do not possess. This contract would not have been agreed to if we had foreseen the lack of provision.”
Rev. Brian Sauder of Faith in Place expresses: “This funding freeze extends beyond a simple administrative delay. It is causing significant harm to those depending on these funds to tackle urgent problems within their communities.”
Mark Magaña of GreenLatinos argues: “We are discussing genuine communities and lives. This persistent funding freeze and the ongoing program uncertainty will result in many communities being neglected. Therefore, we are taking measures to shield these communities from crippling work suspensions and potential layoffs. Our government must function for us, and we will ensure it does.”
Learn more about the work of Earthjustice senior attorney for national climate, Hana Vizcarra.
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