Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro takes legal action against the Trump administration over a $1.2 billion funding freeze, alleging constitutional violations and administrative overreach.
At a Glance
- Governor Shapiro sues Trump administration over $1.2 billion funding freeze
- Lawsuit claims violation of U.S. Constitution and Administrative Procedure Act
- Funds crucial for environmental projects and utility bill relief
- Federal judges have ordered restoration of funding, but administration hasn’t complied
- Additional $900 million in grants under further review
Shapiro’s Legal Challenge
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has launched a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging a $1.2 billion funding freeze that impacts state projects. The legal action, filed in federal court in Philadelphia, accuses federal agencies of “flagrantly lawless” behavior by withholding congressionally appropriated funds over policy disagreements.
The lawsuit names several federal agencies as defendants, including the White House Office of Management and Budget, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Departments of Interior and Transportation. Shapiro argues that the funding freeze violates the U.S. Constitution’s spending clause and the Administrative Procedure Act.
Gov. Josh Shapiro on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s funding freeze, and claimed Pennsylvania isn’t able to get $1.2 billion that it’s owed. https://t.co/OsNBJyy8sD
— Pittsburgh Business Times (@PghBizTimes) February 13, 2025
Impact on Pennsylvania
The frozen funds are needed for various state initiatives, including environmental projects and utility bill relief for Pennsylvania residents. Governor Shapiro emphasized the importance of these funds for the state’s operations and the well-being of its citizens.
“To protect Pennsylvania’s interests and the funding appropriated to us by Congress, I’m left with no choice but to pursue legal action to defend our Commonwealth,” Shapiro said.
The funding freeze affects projects such as reclaiming abandoned mine land, maintaining water treatment systems, and responding to emergencies. Additionally, it impacts the state’s ability to plug abandoned wells and provide utility bill relief to approximately 28,000 residents.
Legal Battles and Non-Compliance
Despite federal judges ordering the restoration of funding access, the Trump administration has not complied with these rulings. The lawsuit claims that the administration is ignoring court orders to restore access to the suspended funds, describing their actions as unconstitutional and in violation of administrative procedures.
The funding freeze, initiated on January 27, has led to debts and obligations in federally approved projects that Pennsylvania cannot cover with reserve funds. The state argues that at least $5.5 billion committed to Pennsylvania has been jeopardized by these federal actions.
Beyond the $1.2 billion in frozen funds, an additional $900 million in grant money requires further federal review. The reasons for this additional scrutiny have not been communicated to state officials, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Pennsylvania’s financial situation.
