Supreme Court Appeal Keeps $20 Billion Biden Green-Bank Grants Frozen
$20 billion in Biden-era green-bank grants stay frozen as the Trump administration prepares a Supreme Court challenge after an appeals court blocked the EPA’s attempt to cancel them.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit affirmed a stay that bars the EPA from ending $20 billion in Inflation Reduction Act green-bank grants, keeping the funds frozen pending a potential Supreme Court appeal by the Trump administration. On Aug. 4 the panel voted 6-4 and granted the administration’s request to maintain the freeze while it prepares its petition. Opponents, such as American Energy Institute CEO Jason Isaac, argue the money creates a taxpayer-funded slush-fund for politically linked organizations, whereas NRDC media director Mark Drajem contends the program would cut utility bills and unlock $65.5 billion in private investment.
The EPA cancelled the grants in March 2025 citing self-dealing concerns, and a separate three-judge panel later ruled the grantees’ claims should be heard in the Court of Federal Claims. Democratic lawmakers including Ed Markey, Chris Van Hollen and Sheldon Whitehouse praised the decision, but the grants remain unfunded as litigation continues.
Why it matters
The case determines whether billions of climate-funds can be used or remain blocked, affecting energy costs and private investment.
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