Tom Schuster: tom.schuster@sierraclub.org
HARRISBURG, Pa. - Today, Governor Shapiro filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s illegal move to block funding for programs in Pennsylvania. According to Shapiro, state agencies have been unable to access $1.2 billion in Congressionally appropriated federal funding as of February 12, 2025, with an additional $900 million requiring an undefined review by federal agencies. Despite judicial rulings invalidating the freeze, funds are still being withheld.
In response, Tom Schuster, Director of the Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter, issued the following statement:
"Donald Trump and Elon Musk are attempting to shred the Constitution right now by illegally withholding funds that Congress appropriated for hundreds of programs, a move that threatens to wreak havoc across Pennsylvania. Thankfully, Governor Shapiro is going to bat for us, fighting to preserve access to more than $2 billion that Congress intended for the Commonwealth. This money was appropriated to clean up abandoned mineland and streams polluted by acid mine drainage, plug hazardous, leaky abandoned oil & gas wells, enable industry to modernize and cut pollution, and help tens of thousands of Pennsylvania households save money on their energy bills.
"Trump’s move jeopardizes critical environmental restoration projects and potentially thousands of jobs. Above all, though, this is about the rule of law, and the separation of powers that has kept our democracy going for nearly 250 years. We applaud Governor Shapiro for standing up for the Constitution and fighting back against this brazen power grab on behalf of all Pennsylvanians."
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.