Federal Funding Shifts

Over the past few weeks, tracking progress on anything federally funded has been difficult. At ETF, we know this uncertainly is stressful, and are focused on ensuring that advocates and funders have the information and strategies they need to navigate the shifts.

 

Where Things Stand: Federal Funding Review Underway.

• The new administration is reviewing all their programs, with particular attention to those related to climate action, multimodal infrastructure, and equity initiatives.

• While some formula funding remains intact, discretionary grant programs are under heightened scrutiny - with some project lists already removed from agency websites.

 

What This Means for Grantees

• Some projects have received stop-work orders, while others remain in limbo as agencies await further direction.

• Legal and policy experts recommend that grantees document any funding delays and proactively engage with federal / state agencies to request that projects move forward.

• Make needs known to your local, state, and federal representatives.  

   

Moving Forward

Stay grounded in facts and focused on solutions. Here’s what we recommend:

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• Stay informed. ETF is monitoring and will continue sharing relevant resources like these:

  • The USDOT Response Briefing (click here for meeting notes and resources) took place on Thursday, February 6. Hosted by ETF’s Initiative Clean Rides Network (CRN). This was an opportunity to align strategies and gain insight into federal and state-level responses.

  • Unflooding the Zone: What do the Trump administration’s latest actions signal for Transportation? - Corrigan Salerno, Transportation for America  (Feb. 5, 2025)

  • Funding Freeze Impact Tracker - Transportation for America created this to track the impact of funding freeze on states and districts.

  • Project Tracking Spreadsheet - Green New Deal Network created this to track specific projects including congressional districts and updates. (request access required)

  • Federal Funding Freeze Toolkit - Alliance for a Just Society created an action plan for state and grassroots organizations to contact members of congress to highlight projects at risk.  

  • Policy Action Plan - American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials put this out, may be outdated already, but for awareness.

  • Transportation for All Coalition Report, December 2024

   

• Engage. Members of Congress, particularly at the state level, are important allies. If you are managing an impacted project, send clear, concise information on what’s at stake to them.

  • Contact your member of Congress —> Find them here.

     

• Act. Several organizations, including Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), have developed templates and tools for grantees facing disruptions.

  • Contact L4GG directly, or fill out this form for them to contact you if you think they can be of service to your needs.

  • Contact the Environmental Protection Agency by clicking here.

   

• Amplify Your Voice.

  • If willing to speak to the press about the impact of the funding freeze, email Emily Samsel at emilysamsel@climatepower.us.

  • The American Public Health Association (APHA) was one of the lead organizations that filed a lawsuit challenging the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) freeze on federal grants. If you have a federal grant that serves the public and are willing to share your experience, please take a moment to fill out this survey.

 

ETF remains committed to supporting equitable climate work and ensuring that essential funding reaches the communities that need it most. As always, we encourage our network to stay proactive, stay engaged, and move forward.