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

On Thursday, a federal judge issued a ruling that prevents the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from terminating the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. The decision emphasizes that the administration lacks the authority to scrap the climate‑focused initiative without explicit consent from Congress.

The judge’s order came after a coalition of state and local governments, along with environmental groups, challenged FEMA’s attempt to withdraw funding from the program. Plaintiffs argued that the move would violate the Administrative Procedure Act and undermine years of investment in projects designed to protect communities from floods, hurricanes, and other climate‑related hazards.

According to the ruling, the BRIC program, established in 2021, provides competitive grants to help municipalities and territories develop infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events. The court found that FEMA’s abrupt cancellation “contravenes the statutory mandate” that obligates the agency to “maintain and enhance the nation’s resilience to climate impacts.”

Key implications of the decision:

• FEMA must continue to accept and evaluate grant applications for the current funding cycle.
• The agency is barred from reallocating BRIC funds to unrelated projects without congressional authorization.
• States and localities can proceed with planning and construction of climate‑resilient projects already in the pipeline.

Legal experts note that the ruling reinforces the principle that major policy shifts, especially those affecting multi‑billion‑dollar programs, require legislative oversight. “This case sends a clear message that agencies cannot unilaterally dismantle programs that Congress has funded,” said Emily Rivera, a professor of environmental law at the University of Washington.

FEMA officials indicated they will comply with the court order while they reassess the program’s future. In a statement, the agency said it remains “committed to supporting resilient infrastructure and will work with stakeholders to ensure the continuity of essential grant funding.”