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Trump rescinds funding freeze but uncertainty lives on for wide array of environmental programs

Summary

President Trump’s temporary freeze on federal grants and loans created widespread uncertainty for environmental and climate programs before being rescinded. The freeze affected 2,600 programs, including funding for clean energy projects, drinking water infrastructure, and initiatives supporting Black farmers. In Alabama, officials in Prichard fear their deteriorating water system may not receive needed federal aid, while Puerto Rico’s solar and battery storage projects face funding delays. The Clean School Bus Program, which helps transition from diesel to electric buses, also risked losing nearly $1 billion. Advocates warn that despite the reversal, Trump’s broader agenda includes deep spending cuts that could still jeopardize environmental protections and climate resilience efforts.

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