San Francisco is stepping into the legal ring against the Trump administration, joining a class action lawsuit that challenges the halting of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) grant programs, an action deemed unlawful by plaintiffs. City Attorney David Chiu argues that climate change can't be neglected, and projects funded by these grants are crucial to combating environmental threats, with San Francisco's long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and justice.
The lawsuit, filed on June 25, sees a coalition that spans across the nation including nonprofits, Tribes, and local governments, seeking to certify this case as a class action, which could help restore EPA program funding to all 350 affected grant recipients, "Climate change is an existential threat to humanity that cannot be ignored, and this funding is critical to help our communities address serious environmental issues," Chiu stated, denouncing Trump's attempts to cut funding as an illegal pursuit in favor of anti-environmental policies. According to the San Francisco City Attorney's Office, District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey highlighted potential fallout on transportation and sustainability initiatives, particularly how Treasure Island's free shuttle and bikeshare programs are being jeopardized.
Citing a shared obligation to stand with frontline communities, Tyrone Jue, Director of The San Francisco Environment Department, emphasized the city's resolve in maintaining accessible clean air and encouraging community participation in sustainability decisions; Jon Miller, Chief Program Officer at Public Rights Project, called the termination of the program a threat to the local governments' capacity to protect their people and environment. Earthjustice and other environmental legal groups are challenging the administration's decision, contending that it ignores Congressional mandates and denouncing the widespread harm inflicted on projects crucial to pollution reduction and community climate resilience.
