Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration Over Withheld Climate Funding
Olympia, WA – August 8, 2025 – Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that the Washington State Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The legal action challenges the federal government’s decision to withhold critical funding designated for climate change initiatives. The AGO contends that this withholding of funds is unlawful and jeopardizes Washington’s efforts to combat the escalating impacts of climate change.
The lawsuit, filed on August 8, 2025, asserts that the Trump administration acted in violation of federal law by refusing to disburse funds that were appropriated by Congress for climate-related programs. These programs are vital for supporting states like Washington in their endeavors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to changing environmental conditions, and enhance resilience against the adverse effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels.
Attorney General Ferguson expressed his strong disagreement with the administration’s actions, stating, “Climate change is an existential threat, and our state is on the front lines of experiencing its devastating consequences. Congress recognized the urgency of this issue by allocating significant resources to address it. The Trump administration’s decision to arbitrarily withhold these funds is not only illegal but also demonstrates a dangerous disregard for the well-being of Washingtonians and the health of our planet.”
The specific funding in question supports a range of crucial climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. These include investments in renewable energy development, improvements to energy efficiency in buildings, the expansion of public transportation, and the protection of natural resources that play a role in carbon sequestration. Furthermore, the funds are intended to aid communities in preparing for and responding to climate-related disasters.
Washington State has been proactive in its approach to climate action, setting ambitious goals for emissions reductions and implementing policies aimed at fostering a sustainable future. The withheld federal funding represents a significant setback for these efforts, potentially delaying or derailing vital projects and initiatives.
The Attorney General’s Office argues that the administration’s withholding of these funds is arbitrary and capricious, lacking a legal basis. The lawsuit seeks to compel the federal government to release the appropriated funds and to ensure that such discretionary withholding of congressionally mandated climate funding does not occur in the future.
“We are committed to protecting our state and its residents from the impacts of climate change,” Attorney General Ferguson continued. “This lawsuit is a necessary step to hold the federal government accountable and ensure that critical resources intended for climate action are made available to the states that need them most. We believe that the law is on our side, and we will vigorously pursue this case to uphold the integrity of federal funding processes and to advance our state’s climate resilience.”
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for states across the nation that are actively engaged in climate action and rely on federal support to implement their strategies. Washington State remains dedicated to its environmental stewardship and will continue to advocate for policies and funding that address the pressing challenges of climate change.
AG Brown sues Trump administration for withholding climate funding
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