US EditionMy city was one of hundreds expecting federal funds to help manage rising heat wave risk – then EPA terminated the grants
UNITED STATES, JUL 9 – Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure and over 72% are at unhealthy weight, with cardiovascular costs expected to triple by 2050, the American Heart Association reports.
- At the beginning of 2025, a $48 million grant was awarded to Spokane by the federal Commerce Department to create a technology hub aimed at advancing the Inland Northwest's role in aerospace materials development.
- This grant followed growing climate risks highlighted by the 2021 heat wave that killed 19 people and strained Spokane’s limited cooling infrastructure.
- Spokane, a city of 230,000 with below-average median income, had teamed with Gonzaga University to prepare for hotter conditions using grants aimed at resilience and workforce development.
- However, the Trump administration rescinded this and about 350 similar grants in May 2025, citing misalignment with EPA funding priorities, leaving vulnerable communities uncertain about adapting to climate threats.
- A class action lawsuit is underway challenging the terminations, and Spokane’s future funding depends on the case’s success amid increasing climate hazards.
200 Articles
200 Articles
The Conversation
My city was one of hundreds expecting federal funds to help manage rising heat wave risk – then EPA terminated the grants
The Pacific Northwest heat wave of 2021 left cities across Washington state sweltering in dangerous temperatures. AP Photo/Ted S. WarrenIn June 2021, a deadly heat wave pushed temperatures to 109 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius) in Spokane, Washington, a northern city near the Idaho border where many homes weren’t built with central air conditioning. As the heat lingered for over a week, 19 people died in Spokane County and about 300 visited hosp…
My city was one of hundreds expecting federal funds to manage rising heat wave risk. Then EPA terminated the grants
In June 2021, a deadly heat wave pushed temperatures to 109°F (43°C) in Spokane, Washington, a northern city near the Idaho border where many homes weren't built with central air conditioning.
The Daily News
(Family Features) While medical advances have helped people live longer with cardiovascular disease, many of the risk factors that lead to these diseases continue to grow.
Loss of EPA grant for Benton Harbor to be highlighted at event next week
City leaders in Benton Harbor will be joined by state Representative Joey Andrews, the director of EGLE, and the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission next week for an event to highlight work that’s been done in the community to promote clean energy and environmental protection. The planning commission’s Marcy Hamilton tells us after a $20 million Environmental and Climate Justice grant from the EPA for Benton Harbor was terminated by the Trump…
ROCK 107 WIRX
Benton Harbor leaders, partners to discuss terminated EPA grant next week
City leaders in Benton Harbor will be joined by state Representative Joey Andrews, the director of EGLE, and the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission next week for an event to highlight work that’s been done in the community to promote clean energy and environmental protection. The planning commission’s Marcy Hamilton tells us after a $20 million Environmental and Climate Justice grant from the EPA for Benton Harbor was terminated by the Trump…
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