Federal Policy
Double Trouble: Disruptions to Federal Food Assistance Program (SNAP) and Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Leave Families and Children in Crisis as Winter Approaches
An analysis of which states will be hardest hit and the financial impact As the federal shutdown continues into its second month, households across the country are facing a looming crisis with uncertain funding for food and heating assistance—just as the weather is turning cold. Under pressure from the courts, the Administration has agreed to…
Why Comment on EPA’s Proposed Repeal of the Endangerment Finding?
By Sylvia Chi — On September 22, 2025, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) closed its comment period for its proposal to rescind the “endangerment finding,” a scientific determination issued by the agency in 2009 enabling it to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. EPA proposed rescinding the endangerment finding on July 29, 2025, along with…
New Analysis: Republican Spending Bill Guts Historic Climate Investments and Protections, Compounding Harm to Environmental Justice and Frontline Communities
A new analysis by Just Solutions reveals how the recently passed federal reconciliation bill changes policy, how much funding it rescinds for climate and environmental justice programs, and the drastic impacts on environmental protection and climate investments for environmental justice and frontline communities across the US. On our nation’s Independence Day, President Donald Trump celebrated…
Resource: Defending Grant Agreements from Anti-DEI Attacks
By Sylvia Chi, Legal and Advocacy Director – Among the flurry of Executive Orders (EOs) issued by President Donald Trump in the first days of his second term, the two EOs that claim to target “illegal and immoral” Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities appear to have significantly influenced the Administration’s approach to administering federal…
Understanding the Limits and Meaning of Trump’s Inaugural Executive Orders
On the first day of his second term, President Donald Trump kicked off his ongoing blitz of signing Executive Orders (EOs) and other directives addressing issues ranging from gender to renaming the Gulf of Mexico. These actions are marked by their colorful, hyper-partisan language and apparently sweeping breadth, in addition to their vagueness, sloppy drafting,…
Energy-Efficient Mortgages: A Unique Opportunity for Environmental Justice
Just Solutions, along with many of our partners, urges the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to require that the home mortgages they back meet updated energy efficiency standards. As the FHFA oversees the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, such action would bring about 70% of mortgages for new homes in the U.S.…
Justice40 and the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool at Risk
Just Solutions launched a collaborative effort this past Spring with our national and state partners to highlight policy pathways advocates could pursue to advance and defend climate justice depending upon the presidential election results. Now that the results are known, our forthcoming report to be released in January will highlight what to expect in a…
Election Statement: Defending Climate Justice
For those committed to racial, social, and environmental justice, the national election was a gut punch. A result that will have far reaching and devastating consequences for ourselves, our loved ones, our communities, and the planet. The coming days will require us to catch our breath, then begin organizing to fight harder and smarter. We…
Delivering Climate Benefits to Disadvantaged Communities: Lessons Learned from Social Policy
Increasing the capacity of frontline communities – households with low income and families who are most affected by climate change – to meet the current and future challenges brought about by climate change will require a significant future expansion of assistance programs and resources. There are decades worth of lessons to be learned from the…
State and Federal Whole Home Repair Programs: Can They Solve the Weatherization Assistance Program Deferrals Problem?
Investment in weatherization is sound public policy. Weatherization checks all the boxes of improving energy efficiency among low-income households, easing the strain on household budgets, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Residents experience improved health and well-being as a result of a more comfortable living environment, with benefits for mental and physical health. Residents also enjoy…
