Trump administration appeals to Supreme Court over $20 billion green bank freeze

The Trump administration is preparing a Supreme Court appeal to maintain a freeze on $20 billion in green bank grants established under the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act. The funds, part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, remain blocked following a 6–4 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit that prevented the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from terminating the grants.

In March 2025, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin canceled the grants, citing concerns regarding self-dealing and conflicts of interest. While the appeals court initially ruled that the agency likely contravened mandatory appropriations, it subsequently granted the administration's request to keep the money frozen while the legal battle moves toward the Supreme Court.

The freeze pauses a court order that would have required disbursements to be made through November 9. If the administration files a formal petition, the pause will extend until the Supreme Court issues a ruling. Climate United, the largest recipient, was slated to receive approximately $7 billion. Supporters of the program argue the freeze prevents essential clean energy and electric mobility projects, while critics, including the American Energy Institute, have characterized the original fund as a “taxpayer-funded slush fund” for climate initiatives.