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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced that he will lead the Bipartisan Flood Resilience Caucus for the 119th Congress. Joining him as co-chairs are Reps. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), Randy Weber (R-TX), and Congressman Mike Ezell (R-MS).
The caucus will use proactive strategies and policy tools to protect residents, including the more than 40 million Americans who live in communities at high risk of severe flood damage. Extreme flooding ruins homes and property, uproots lives, and leaves a devastating impact. Pre-disaster strategies to educate and alert the public, as well as investments in both traditional and green flood control infrastructure, are critical to avert the post-disaster devastation so many communities face.
"My district knows firsthand the danger and destruction that flooding brings. As the climate changes, more and more communities will also be threatened by extreme flooding. We must take federal action to ensure that our nation is not only prepared to respond to flooding disasters, but to adapt our systems and infrastructure to be more resilient and better able to weather any storm. I’m proud to be a part of this caucus and to be a leader in this effort," said Rep. Carter.
In coordination with the launch of this Caucus, Congressmen Troy Carter (D-LA), Mike Ezell (R-MS), and Cleo Fields (D-LA) sent a letter to House Financial Services Committee leadership urging immediate action on long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as it will lapse on September 30. The Members emphasized that NFIP is a lifeline for homeowners, small businesses, and entire communities who are vulnerable to flooding.
“Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage, with flood insurance being the only remedy to cover the cost of rebuilding, underscoring the tremendous importance of NFIP. This program creates faster paths to recovery and provides peace of mind for homeowners across the nation, for a situation that could otherwise be life-ruining and involve financial devastation,” the Members wrote. “A lapse in the program’s authorization means new policies could not be issued, existing policies could not be renewed, and real estate transactions in flood-prone areas may stall, leaving homeowners and businesses vulnerable. This could ultimately result in housing market instability, jeopardizing the financial security of our constituents.”
Read the full letter here.
Rep. Carter is the sponsor of H.R. 2822, the National Flood Insurance Program Authorization Extension Act. This bill would extend the program through December 31, 2026.
“Once again this year, we have seen the devastating impacts of flooding in Texas,” said Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07). “It is critical that Congress works to protect communities across the country from the devastating impacts of flooding, and so I am glad to reestablish the Congressional Flood Resilience Caucus. I look forward to working with Representatives Weber, Carter, and Ezell and all of the caucus’ members to address the needs of our communities and develop policies to prepare for and respond to the threats that flooding poses across the country.”
"I'm proud to co-lead the Bipartisan Flood Resilience Caucus to help make sure our coastal communities have the tools they need to prepare for and recover from flooding. In South Mississippi, we know how important strong infrastructure and smart planning are. Flooding is the most common—and costly—natural disaster in the U.S., and it can affect anyone, even those outside high-risk areas. That’s why flood insurance and strong federal support are so important. I look forward to working with our co-chairs and across the aisle to protect lives, property, and our economy from future flood risks,” said Rep. Ezell (MS-04).
“As a lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast, I have seen numerous storms and other natural disasters wreak havoc on our communities. Over 120 million people live in coastal communities across the country, and ensuring our government can help uplift those impacted by natural disasters is a key goal of mine. As a co-leader of the Bipartisan Flood Resilience Caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen the resilience of our coastal communities,” said Rep. Weber (TX-14).
Background
This is not simply a coastal issue, as nearly all communities face some level of flood risk. Since 1996, flood events have occurred in all 50 states and 99% of U.S. counties, as it is the most common and costliest natural disaster.
The Flood Resilience Caucus plans to discuss a wide variety of topics, including;
- Reauthorization and modernization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP);
- Ensuring federal disaster funding is delivered to communities efficiently and effectively;
- Coastal habitat restoration and protection;
- Eliminating duplicative administrative burdens for disaster aid; and,
- Supporting the foundational mission of FEMA and a robust federal disaster response.
Members of the Bipartisan Flood Resilience Caucus recognize the importance of acting now to adapt communities and build resilience in the face of rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Research shows that proactive investments in adaptive measures, such as elevating homes and retrofitting infrastructure, can save taxpayers an average of six dollars for every one dollar of federal spending.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement:
“I am outraged and deeply disturbed by the recent threats made against Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Southern University, A&M College, Bethune-Cookman University, Virginia State University, Hampton University, Clark Atlanta University, and Alabama State University. These reprehensible acts are not only an attack on institutions of higher learning — they are an attack on our history, our culture, and the promise of opportunity that HBCUs represent for generations of students.
“As the Congressman representing Louisiana — home to some of the finest HBCUs in the nation, including Xavier University, Dillard University, Southern University, and Grambling State University — and a Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I will not stand idly by while these hateful cowards attempt to spread fear and division.
“HBCUs are pillars of excellence, resilience, and progress. They have nurtured leaders, broken down barriers, and carried forward the torch of justice and equality in America. Any threat against them is a threat against us all.
“I am calling on the full weight of the federal government — including the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, and the FBI — to utilize every available resource to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible. These attacks cannot be tolerated, minimized, or ignored. They must be met with swift and decisive action.
“Let us be clear: those who seek to terrorize our students and undermine the safe havens of learning they cherish will fail. Our communities are strong. Our institutions are resilient. And our resolve is unshakable.
“We will continue to stand united in defense of HBCUs and in defense of the values of education, opportunity, and equality that they embody.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement after voting against passage of the Rule for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026:
“I greatly respect our armed forces. But voting for this bill would be a disservice to those who serve. I trust our soldiers and their doctors—not politicians in Congress—to make decisions about their families' healthcare. Furthermore, this legislation includes problematic and divisive amendments that are a distraction from our core mission of strengthening national defense.
“For 65 years, the NDAA has represented bipartisan commitment to our national security. This year’s process undermines that legacy by sacrificing collaboration in favor of partisanship. I cannot support a bill that weakens oversight, dismisses expert voices, and threatens the integrity of our armed forces.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) sent a letter to President Trump regarding recent public statements about potentially sending the National Guard into the City of New Orleans.
Read Congressman Carter’s full letter below:
Dear Mr. President:
I write today with deep concern regarding your recent public statements about potentially sending the National Guard into the City of New Orleans. As a proud son of New Orleans, and now U.S. Representative for this city and the people who call it home, I want to be clear: militarizing the streets of New Orleans is not the solution for our public safety. Period.
In New Orleans, we are committed to protecting both the safety and the rights of our residents and the millions of visitors we host every year. The city operates under a Home Rule Charter, and we are committed to maintaining control over public safety in a manner that reflects our shared values and democratic principles. We will always welcome true collaboration from our federal partners, but never at the expense of local self-governance or the rule of law.
If your Administration wishes to support New Orleans, I stand ready to work with you on real, common-sense solutions. That means securing federal funding to recruit, retain, and better train police officers; strengthening the resources of our District Attorney’s office; and addressing the urgent need to repair infrastructure at Orleans Parish Prison. Most importantly, it means restoring investments in the very programs your Administration has proposed cutting—programs that address the root causes of crime: systemic poverty, economic inequality, and lack of opportunity. New Orleans needs resources, not political stunts.
There is a strong precedent for constructive public safety partnerships between the federal government and municipalities. In fact, in 1995, President Bill Clinton directed millions of federal dollars to New Orleans to create a model of community policing. That initiative did not militarize neighborhoods—it built trust, reduced crime, and strengthened the bonds between law enforcement and the community. It worked because it was rooted in collaboration, not coercion. Both Democratic and Republican administrations have since proven that real federal support can empower communities to keep themselves safe while respecting local authority.
The National Guard already plays an essential role in public safety for our residents, especially as first responders in the wake of disasters during the Atlantic hurricane season. I have the utmost respect for our servicemembers and for the Louisiana National Guard, whose bravery and dedication save lives and deliver critical supplies in the immediate aftermath of storms. We must not divert these service members from their vital mission to protect Louisiana families during natural disasters.
Mr. President, I urge you to reconsider this approach. New Orleans deserves solutions rooted in respect, collaboration, and democracy—not a show of force. I remain committed to working with you in good faith to bring federal resources where they are needed most and to strengthen the safety, resilience, and future of our city.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Read the letter here.
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – During the August work period, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) held a series of roundtable discussions highlighting his fight in Washington against bad Trump Administration policies, answering constituent questions, providing resources directly to Louisianians, and hosting Town Halls throughout the district.
This month, Rep. Carter convened an Environmental Justice Roundtable discussion focused on recent, harmful Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decisions, including terminated federal awards and rolling back of critical environmental regulations, and how we can move environmental priorities forward under the Trump Administration. He was joined by representatives from Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) to discuss their pending litigation, Appalachian Voices vs. EPA, against the Trump administration on behalf of community organizations that have had nearly $3 billion in total environmental justice grant agreements unlawfully terminated. This litigation impacts $60 million in funding for thirteen EPA grant awards in Louisiana, including eight awards totaling over $38 million for organizations in Louisiana’s Second Congressional District.
You can see photos of the event here.
Rep. Carter also hosted another successful Town Hall and LA-02 Curbside resource fair in Jefferson Parish. This is the seventh Town Hall event Rep. Carter has put on this year; they are focused on answering constituent questions and bringing federal resources directly to the community.
"I've invited everyone to my town hall events across my district. I'm hearing the same thing: people are tired of making excuses for a President who doesn't care about them and isn't fulfilling his campaign promises. Donald Trump's 'Big Ugly Law' is raising prices on everyday Americans, making them less healthy and less wealthy with the largest cut to health care and food assistance ever, all to cut taxes for the richest billionaires. Louisianians are fed up with these bad policies. Plain and simple," said Rep. Carter.
Sign up for Rep. Carter’s newsletter here to stay informed about upcoming community events and watch all previous Town Halls on Rep. Carter’s YouTube here.
Rep. Carter then arranged another roundtable conversation focused on higher education. He was joined by Presidents, Chancellors, and senior leaders from Louisiana universities, community colleges, and key organizations across LA-02 to discuss how the Trump Administration’s harmful policies are impacting students and these institutions.
You can see photos of the event here.
As a former small business owner, Rep. Carter has made it a priority in Congress to advocate for Louisiana entrepreneurs—the backbone of our economy. He hosted an informal conversation with local New Orleans Coffee shop owners about how tariffs are impacting their business.
Listen to the entire conversation here. Watch a summary of the event hosted at Baldwin&Co. Coffee and Bookstore here.
Finally, Rep. Carter gathered housing and construction stakeholders for a roundtable discussion on affordable housing, including recent cuts to clean energy tax credits, terminations of federal grant programs, rising homeowners and flood insurance premiums, and further proposed cuts to federal housing programs. This conversation highlighted how these policies are making housing less affordable in Louisiana and denying critical lifelines for families struggling to make ends meet.
You can see photos of the event here.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – As we approach the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina tomorrow, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) has reformed the Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus for the 119th Congress. Joining him as co-chairs are Reps. Joe Neguse (D-CO), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Carlos A. Gimenez (R-FL), and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ).
The caucus will work across the aisle to advance legislation and policies that provide efficient, equitable relief for disaster survivors and promote measures that pave the path for impacted communities to make a full recovery. They will also advocate for disaster preparedness measures and programs that help save lives, while readying America’s communities for the disasters ahead.
“Hurricane Katrina, and all the storms we have experienced since then, taught us that natural disasters know no boundaries, and neither should our nation’s disaster preparedness or recovery systems,” said Rep. Carter. “As the climate crisis makes extreme weather events more frequent and intense, we need to work together to save lives and strengthen our systems. This bipartisan caucus is committed to advocating for effective preparedness and recovery measures and programs that best serve the American people and don’t leave anyone behind. As we mark twenty years since the most devastating storm in our nation’s history, this work is more critical now than it ever has been.”
The co-chairs of this caucus represent regions that experience a wide variety of natural disasters ranging from hurricanes to wildfires to flooding and have all directly navigated the disaster recovery process. They are coming together from across the political spectrum and across the country to advocate for better and improved disaster preparedness and recovery systems.
“As the first emergency manager elected to Congress, I’ve seen firsthand what works in our emergency management system and what doesn’t. This system needs reform, but it also needs the tools to be fully prepared when disaster strikes. Now more than ever, it’s critical that Congress has a strong, bipartisan voice advocating for disaster preparedness and recovery, which is why I teamed up with Congressman Carter to cofound this bipartisan caucus. I look forward to continuing our work pushing commonsense reforms and ensuring that lifesaving resources are there when Florida communities need them most,” said Rep. Moskowitz (FL- 23).
“As Americans face increasing numbers of natural disasters — wildfires, floods, hurricanes — we must do all we can to prepare our communities to respond and recover in the wake of tragedy. That’s why I’m honored to continue the vital work of the bipartisan Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus in the 119th Congress,” said Rep. Neguse (CO-02).
“The Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus is vital to developing common-sense policies that keep disaster-prone communities safe. As a firefighter paramedic, Fire Chief, and Mayor, I have witnessed firsthand the critical importance of rapid, reliable resources during hurricane season. I look forward to working with my colleagues to protect families in Miami, the Florida Keys, and communities across our nation,” said Rep. Gimenez (FL-26).
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement as prepared for delivery on the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina:
“Hello everyone, I’m Congressman Troy Carter and I proudly represent Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District. It is a pleasure to be with you today.
“It has now been twenty years since Katrina devastated our communities—twenty years since lives were lost, homes destroyed, and families displaced. But it was also a turning point, a moment that forever changed the culture, the priorities, and the resilience of Louisiana. We lost family, we lost friends, we lost ways of life—but we’re resilient and we’ll never quit.
“Hurricane Katrina isn’t just history, it’s personal. We carry the memory with us every single day. And while we remember the pain and loss, we also draw strength from the courage of the survivors who built their lives and our communities against all odds. They rebuilt things that some said couldn’t be rebuilt, some that thought it shouldn’t be rebuilt. Their determination inspires us to keep building safer, stronger, and more equitable communities.
“As storms grow more intense and last longer, our commitment to preparedness and recovery must grow stronger, too. That means sound policy, smart investments, and science, not politics, guiding our decisions.
“As a founding member and co-chair of the bipartisan Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus, I’ve made it my mission in Congress to champion these priorities. We’re working to advance legislation that strengthens disaster readiness, delivers timely and equitable relief to survivors, and ensures communities can recover fully and swiftly.
“Preparedness isn’t a partisan issue—it’s a moral one. So, when we reflect on 20 years since Katrina, let’s commit to a future where every family has the support they need before, during, and after disaster strikes.”
View video of Congressman Carter’s remarks here.
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement:
“There is a lot of noise about so-called ‘fraud’ in Medicaid — but let’s be clear about what this audit shows. The problem is not families, seniors, or vulnerable people abusing the system. The problem is insurance companies being paid millions of dollars after patients had already died.
“As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I have said repeatedly that the real fraud is not among the most vulnerable — it is among the corporations and insurers who exploit the system for profit. This study proves that point once again. While politicians rail against the poor, the sick, and the struggling, the real leakage is happening in boardrooms, not living rooms.
“Veterans who have worn the uniform, elderly neighbors who built this country, disabled Americans who deserve dignity, and working families who are just trying to make ends meet — these are the people Medicaid was designed to serve. They should never be vilified or made scapegoats while insurance companies pocket taxpayer money meant for care.
“This is why I have opposed Donald Trump’s so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ from the very beginning — or as I call it, the Big Ugly Law. It is nothing more than a massive giveaway to the wealthy and well-connected at the expense of those who need help the most. This audit should serve as a wake-up call to Trump and his allies: it’s time to reverse course, repeal this harmful law, and restore Medicaid to its rightful purpose — serving people, not padding profits.
“We must hold insurers accountable, strengthen oversight, and ensure every taxpayer dollar is spent with integrity. Medicaid is not a luxury. It is a lifeline. And I will continue to fight to protect it for every child, every veteran, every senior, every person with a disability, and every hardworking family who depends on it.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) sent a letter to President Trump regarding the recent decision to suspend regular U.S. Army Corps of Engineers inspections of New Orleans’ levee system:
Read Congressman Carter’s full letter below:
Dear Mr. President, Director Vought, and Assistant Secretary Telle:
As the Founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus and Representative for Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District, I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent decision to suspend regular U.S. Army Corps of Engineers inspections of the Hurricane & Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS) in the New Orleans region for the next two years. This vital federal investment, built after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, protects the New Orleans metropolitan region from major hurricanes and storm surge. I respectfully urge you to reconsider this decision and restore funding for these inspections in FY2025 and to prioritize funding for maintenance and inspection in FY2026.
Louisiana has more than 3,100 miles of levees — the largest leveed area in the United States — protecting nearly one-fifth of the state’s land area from flooding. The New Orleans metropolitan region depends on HSDRRS, an intricate network of levees and floodwalls to shield millions of residents, major ports, refineries, and other critical infrastructure from hurricanes, storm surge, and tidal flooding. These protections are not simply local assets; they are vital to our national economy and security.
This year, thousands of people from my district will be solemnly commemorating the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina — one of the most destructive storms in our nation’s history. We remember the 80% of New Orleans that was flooded, the more than 1,800 lives lost, and the hundreds of billions of dollars in damage. To many of my constituents, the trauma of that Category 5 hurricane remains fresh. Let us not add insult to injury by adopting a dangerous policy change that may save money in the short term, but will almost certainly cost lives in the long term.
Currently, both the east bank and west bank levee systems are rated “moderate to high risk,” underscoring the severe consequences that could result from any failure. Delaying full inspections until 2028 would leave us without a complete and timely understanding of the system’s condition — a risk we cannot afford during increasingly intense hurricane seasons.
I recognize the challenges of balancing federal resources, but levee inspections are not optional. The cost of prevention is far less than the cost— in lives and dollars— of another catastrophic failure. This system held strong and protected the region from Hurricane Ida in 2021, an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm. Restoring this regular inspection funding would be a commitment to safety, economic stability, disaster resilience, and maintaining this critical federal investment.
I respectfully request that the Administration restore the necessary funding so that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can maintain its regular levee inspection schedule in Louisiana. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to working together to ensure our nation remains prepared for the natural disasters we know will come.
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EW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement:
“The President’s attempt to seize control of Washington, D.C.’s police force—and his suggestion that he may do the same in cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago—is an alarming and dangerous overreach by the Executive Branch.
“Our nation’s system of governance is built on the principle of Home Rule—the local community’s own constitution—that gives cities and municipalities the ability to govern themselves without undue interference from higher levels of government. This principle is not a partisan luxury; it is a cornerstone of American democracy, designed to ensure that local leaders, who understand the needs and values of their communities best, make decisions for their residents.
“The intrusion we see today is not just bad for Washington, D.C.—it is bad for every city and town in America, red or blue. If the President truly wants to help cities address crime and safety, there are ways to partner with local governments without usurping their authority or undermining their democratic rights.
“This sets a dangerous precedent. Allowing the federal government to override local governance erodes the very foundation of our democracy. It opens the door for politically motivated takeovers based on partisan targeting rather than public safety.
“Here in New Orleans, we are committed to protecting the rights of our residents to self-govern and to maintain control over our public safety. We will always welcome true collaboration from our federal partners—but never at the expense of our Home Rule Charter or the democratic principles we swore to uphold.”
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, released the following statement:
“I’m deeply disappointed and outraged to learn that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to cancel $7 billion in solar energy grants meant to help low- and middle-income families get access to clean, affordable energy. These Solar for All grants were designed to bring rooftop solar panels and battery systems to communities that need them most—especially those hit hardest by high energy costs, pollution, and climate change.”
“As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee—and as someone who represents Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District, home to one of the most environmentally challenged areas in the country, often referred to as ‘Cancer Alley’—this hits close to home. That’s a nickname we are neither proud of nor willing to accept without a fight. Our communities deserve better.”
“These grants were not just about going green. They were about creating jobs, cutting energy bills, improving public health, and giving long-ignored communities a real chance to benefit from clean energy. State and local groups worked hard to plan these projects, and now the EPA is trying to cancel them for political reasons.”
“This decision doesn’t just feel wrong—it may be illegal. Congress passed laws to fund this program through the Inflation Reduction Act, and now the EPA is trying to cancel it behind closed doors. Even government lawyers have warned that this could lead to serious legal trouble.”
“If we’re serious about justice—climate justice, economic justice, and environmental justice—we must deliver real solutions to the people who need them most. Cutting these grants is a betrayal. It hurts working families, our environment, and our shared future.”
“As someone who helped fund and support the very first solar-powered Community Lighthouse in the Broadmoor neighborhood of New Orleans—a beacon of clean energy and resilience—I know firsthand how transformational these projects can be. They save lives during blackouts. They restore power after storms. They inspire hope in places that have too often been left behind.”
“I strongly urge the EPA to reverse course. Congress made this program the law. It must be respected—and the communities I represent will not be silenced.”
E.P.A. Moves to Cancel $7 Billion in Grants for Solar Energy
Louisiana DENR Granted $156 Million in Federal Solar Funding
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) convened an Environmental Justice Roundtable discussion at Greater New Orleans Foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana. Specifically, this conversation focused on recent, harmful Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decisions, including terminated federal awards and the rolling back of critical environmental regulations, and how we can move environmental priorities forward under the Trump Administration.
Congressman Carter was joined by representatives from Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) to discuss their pending litigation against the EPA on behalf of community organizations that have had nearly $3 billion in total environmental justice grant agreements unlawfully terminated. The next hearing on that case is Tuesday, August 5, at United States District Court in Washington, D.C. These terminations represent over $60 million in funding for thirteen awards in Louisiana, including eight awards totaling over $38 million for organizations in Louisiana’s Second Congressional District.
“During the four years of the Biden administration, America made real progress in addressing environmental justice by supporting frontline communities, expanding clean air and water protections, and funding local initiatives through vital EPA environmental justice grants,” said Rep. Carter. “I was proud to support these initiatives, including helping craft and pass vital legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest ever investment in American history.
“But now, the Trump administration is actively trying to reverse those gains. They've sought to end the EPA’s environmental justice grants program entirely, cutting off crucial funding for communities already overburdened by pollution and disinvestment. These actions are not just bad policy—it’s a direct attack on our health and our future. I was proud to convene this roundtable today, during a crucial moment in this conversation.”
On June 25, 2025, a coalition of nonprofits, Tribes and local governments sued the Trump Administration for unlawfully terminating the EPA’s Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant (ECJBG) programs despite a congressional directive to fund them through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The case is titled Appalachian Voices v. EPA.
The plaintiffs come from every region of the country and will be seeking class action certification and preliminary relief so that all 350 grant recipients who have been harmed by the wholesale termination of the EPA program may continue their projects.
Southern Environmental Law Center, Earthjustice, Public Rights Project, and Lawyers for Good Government filed the challenge on behalf of grant recipients to seek the nationwide restoration of the program and to require the administration to reinstate awarded grant agreements.
Some of the Louisiana organizations impacted by this litigation include Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) and Dillard University. DSCEJ received a grant for the Community Investment Recovery Center, which provided direct services to community-based organizations and tribal communities through capacity building, technical assistance, and training. Dillard University received a grant to create community resilience hubs, expand bike sharing and EV charger access, retrofit buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, launch non-degree training programs in clean energy and climate resilience, and enhance community resilience in Orleans, St. Tammany, and Washington Parishes.
"Today's roundtable with Congressman Troy A. Carter and impacted grantees was a powerful reminder of how the termination of life-saving projects continues to cause real harm to frontline communities,” said Jillian Blanchard, Vice President of Climate Change & Environmental Justice at Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG). “The promise of clean air and clean water for all is a fundamental right that we cannot negotiate on. These grantees had guaranteed funding under a congressionally mandated program that has been unilaterally terminated by an Administration that has said that clean air, clean water, and hurricane protection are not a priority, and Lawyers for Good Government will continue to fight for the restoration of funding and the justice and resources that these communities deserve."
Other attendees included:
- Community Foundation Climate Collaborative
- The Nature Conservancy
- Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
- Rise St. James
- Dillard University
- City of New Orleans
- Groundwork New Orleans
- SOUL
- Water Wise Gulf South
- Bunny Friend Neighborhood Association
- Greater Treme Consortium
- GreenARMY
View photos from the event here.
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