Today, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that his office is filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration on behalf of the Commonwealth to protect federal funds committed to Pennsylvania. In response, Evergreen Action Deputy State Policy Director Julia Kortrey released the following statement: 

“With this lawsuit, Governor Shapiro is standing up for Pennsylvanians. The governor is demanding the Trump administration follow the law and release the $1.2 billion in critical federal funds unlawfully blocked—along with the additional $900 million requiring an undefined review by federal agencies. The deliberate withholding of these congressionally authorized investments is already causing real harm to real people. Critical programs to lower electricity costs for families and businesses through solar and energy efficiency updates are being stalled. So are efforts to protect Pennsylvanians from poisonous chemicals by capping and plugging thousands of abandoned gas wells. And nearly $400 million dedicated to modernizing Pennsylvania’s industrial sector to boost economic competitiveness and create thousands of jobs has been put on hold. 

“Pennsylvania and its communities, businesses, and local governments must regain access to their funds immediately and be freed from this chaos and uncertainty. We are grateful for the governor’s leadership and hope these critical funds are soon able to reach the people who need them most.”