The effects of President Donald Trump’s executive orders are rippling through Georgia, putting a hold on crucial local energy projects that depend on federal funding. Cities, counties, and nonprofits across the state are facing significant setbacks after their grants were frozen, delaying clean energy initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and job creation efforts.
Millions in Federal Funding Stalled
Since Trump’s inauguration, several federal grants related to energy projects have been put on hold. Local governments and organizations that were awarded funds under various programs have reported unexpected delays in accessing the money they were counting on.
One such recipient is the Lucky Shoals Community Association in the Norcross area. Founded by Democratic state Rep. Marvin Lim, the nonprofit was awarded a $20 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Community Change grant in December. The grant was meant to fund environmental projects, including a clean energy workforce training facility and a new park. However, two weeks ago, the funding was abruptly frozen.
Lim and his team managed to access a portion of the funds for a short time, only to have them blocked again on February 10. As a result, the organization cannot proceed with purchasing land for the project. Moreover, the funding was set to create three full-time jobs and partially fund seven additional positions, but some of these job offers have now been put on hold.
“This funding freeze has real human consequences,” Lim said. “It’s impacting not just the community, but also the people who were set to benefit from these projects.”
Lim emphasized that the coalition behind the grant application worked for over three years to secure funding, undergoing a rigorous process to ensure compliance with federal requirements. “We’re following all the rules, yet we’re still facing these hurdles,” he added.
Athens-Clarke County Faces Uncertainty
Another Georgia community feeling the impact is Athens-Clarke County, which applied for a $20 million Community Change grant in November to build a solar array and battery storage facility at the local public safety campus. Officials expected approval, but the county has yet to receive confirmation.
Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz criticized the situation, calling the delays chaotic and harmful to local governments.
“The clear chaos underway in Washington, D.C., is not healthy for America’s cities,” Girtz said.
Adding to their challenges, Athens-Clarke County was awarded nearly $5 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure program just ten days before Trump took office. The funds were meant to install electric vehicle charging stations, but officials still cannot access the money.
“We haven’t mobilized contractors because we need to see the money first,” Girtz explained. “We’re ready to move forward, but everything is at a standstill.”
Broader Impacts Across Georgia
The issue extends beyond Athens and Norcross. The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA), responsible for distributing federal environmental funds, recently informed 17 cities and counties that their energy efficiency projects must pause due to the funding freeze.
Projects totalling $2.6 million have been affected, each averaging around $150,000. In metro Atlanta, these grants were supposed to fund EV charging stations in Covington and energy audits and building upgrades in Fairburn. But now, these initiatives are on hold.
“Due to the current federal funding freeze, GEFA is requesting you to pause all grant-related activities,” said Kristofor Anderson, Energy Resources Director at GEFA, in a letter to local governments. “We appreciate your patience as we await further clarification from the U.S. Department of Energy.”
Trump’s Executive Orders and Legal Challenges
On his first day back in office, Trump signed several executive orders, including one titled “Unleashing American Energy,” which effectively froze federal funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. These laws, signed by former President Joe Biden, were meant to fund environmental and infrastructure programs.
The legality of these funding freezes is now being contested. Two federal judges have already ruled that the funds must be released. Additionally, twenty-three states have sued the federal government over the issue.
The Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School has also stepped in, urging local governments to sign onto a “friend of the court” brief to support the lawsuits against the funding hold.
Mixed Reactions from Local Governments
While some Georgia cities are significantly impacted, others report little to no disruption. In Cobb County, for example, federal funding for community development and senior transport services was only delayed for a brief period before being released.
Still, uncertainty continues for communities like Athens-Clarke and Norcross. The inability to access pre-approved funds is delaying progress on much-needed energy infrastructure projects, frustrating officials and community leaders alike.
As legal battles unfold, local governments and nonprofits remain in limbo, waiting to see if their energy projects will regain momentum or be permanently derailed by Washington’s policy shifts.
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