Justice Climate Fund v. EPA

Two entities that were awarded funding under EPA’s Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) program filed lawsuits in federal district court in the District of Columbia challenging EPA and Citibank actions freezing and terminating the funding. The CCIA is one of three programs through which EPA implemented the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Justice Climate Fund (JCF)—“a purpose-built, non-profit organization that was founded to apply for CCIA funding on behalf of a consortium of community lender representatives”—asserted that EPA’s actions violated the Administrative Procedure Act because the termination of the award was arbitrary and capricious and violated federal grant regulations and the Inflation Reduction Act. JCF asserted that EPA’s actions effectively suspending its award also violated the Administrative Procedure Act. In addition, JCF asserted violations of the Appropriations Clause and Due Process Clause. JCF also asserted breach of contract claims against Citibank. The <a href="https://climatecasechart.com/case/inclusiv-inc-v-epa/">other lawsuit</a> was filed by Inclusiv, Inc., a nonprofit certified Community Development Financial Institution that works with credit unions.