Federal Judge Timelines Dept. of Agriculture Lawsuit – Greenfield Recorder
TL/DR –
Red Fire Farm and several other American farms are suing President Donald Trump, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins over the federal government’s decision to freeze grants and reimbursements. The freeze followed Trump’s executive order to pause disbursement of funds authorized through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The plaintiffs argue that this order is not lawful and violates the U.S. Constitution, and could cause the farms to suffer if previously obligated funds are not released.
Red Fire Farm’s Lawsuit Against USDA and President Trump Proceeds
The federal lawsuit by Red Fire Farm, among other organizations, against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and President Donald Trump will move forward. The lawsuit was sparked by the freezing of government funds following Trump’s Unleashing American Energy executive order.
Case Schedule Set by District Judge
Presiding Judge Rudolph Contreras approved the schedule for further proceedings proposed in a joint status report between the parties. Key dates include the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment due July 18, and the defendants’ response due by Aug. 18.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit represents Red Fire Farm, located in Granby and Montague, and seven other farms across the U.S. These farms allege that the freeze of grants and reimbursements by the federal government is causing their operations serious harm.
Changes in the Lawsuit
Originally, the lawsuit targeted the Office of Management and Budget and its Director Russell Vought. However, an amended complaint filed in May removed them as defendants.
Legal Representation
The farms are represented by Hana Vizcarra from the nonprofit environmental law organization Earthjustice. The defendants are represented by interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley Silverman.
Legal Arguments
Vizcarra is arguing that freezing the funds is unlawful and, if continued, could cause “irreparable injury” to these farms. They claim the freeze violates the U.S. Constitution, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
Relief Sought by Plaintiffs
The plaintiffs request the court to declare Section 7 of Trump’s executive order unconstitutional and to prevent any future freezing of funds. They also seek reimbursement for spent funds.
Impacts on Red Fire Farm
Red Fire Farm had received two USDA grants for projects and had signed contracts with the federal government. However, the funding freeze has endangered these projects and a state grant for a solar project.
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