Twenty U.S. states – predominantly led by Democratic governors – have launched a legal battle against the Trump administration's decision to halt billions in disaster relief funding. The lawsuit, filed in Boston's federal court, seeks to restore grants under the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which Congress previously approved to strengthen climate resilience.
The coalition argues that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) unlawfully terminated the program in April, leaving critical infrastructure projects vulnerable to natural disasters. This move comes as FEMA faces mounting criticism over its handling of catastrophic floods in Texas, where over 130 lives were lost.
Legal experts note the case hinges on whether FEMA has discretionary authority to cancel congressionally mandated funding. The outcome could set precedents for how federal agencies implement disaster preparedness programs amid increasing climate-related challenges.
