Federal Judge Blocks FEMA From Canceling Climate Resiliency Grants

Court rules Trump administration cannot dismantle the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program without congressional approval

Washington, D.C. – In a decisive Thursday ruling, a federal judge barred the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from terminating the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. The decision underscores that the administration cannot unilaterally end the initiative without explicit authorization from Congress.

The judge’s order came after a coalition of state and local officials, along with environmental groups, sued FEMA, arguing that the program—designed to fund projects that reduce the impact of natural disasters—was being eliminated in violation of the statutory framework that created it.

Key points of the ruling include:

• FEMA must continue to accept and award BRIC grant applications that were already submitted.
• The agency is prohibited from issuing any notice that would effectively cancel the program until Congress takes definitive action.
• Any future changes to the program’s funding or structure must follow the legislative process outlined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“Congress established BRIC to address the growing threat of climate‑related disasters,” the judge wrote. “The executive branch cannot sidestep that mandate by simply withdrawing funding without proper legislative review.”

Representatives from several coastal states welcomed the decision, noting that BRIC grants have already helped fund flood‑resilient housing, storm‑water management systems, and wildfire mitigation projects. “This ruling protects the investments we’ve made in safeguarding our communities,” said a spokesperson for the coalition.

The administration has indicated it will appeal the decision, arguing that budgetary constraints justify the program’s suspension. However, legal experts suggest that the appeal faces an uphill battle given the clear statutory language protecting the program.

Until the legal dispute is resolved, FEMA will proceed with the existing grant applications, ensuring that communities continue to receive critical funding for climate‑resilient infrastructure.