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Thank you for your continued efforts to move forward and legally and properly implement your grant/s despite the many distractions and illegal actions coming out of this administration.
An update: As of Friday, February 7, 2025, most IRA grantees could finally draw down funds, but as of yesterday (Monday, February 10, 2025) many folks were locked out again or their ASAP accounts were suspended. On Thursday and Friday, EPA issued internal memos calling for another pause in the disbursement of funds due to general concerns about waste, fraud, and abuse. These are unfounded and they are being challenged in court.
Here are some potential actions to consider:
1) If your funding is currently missing or suspended from ASAP or if you were otherwise denied a drawdown, it is important to document all of your efforts to legally draw down funding from your ASAP account and to build your administrative record.
– Email your Program Officer, now. Add details relevant to your specific grant, including actual harm on the ground (not being able to run payroll, laying people off, pausing construction, etc). If you have legal counsel, we recommend that you consult with them. If you see assistance, please reach out.
– AND, report that you are locked out by filling out Lawyers for Good Government’s fund protection clinic intake form so they can track this violation and reach out to you about potential next steps. Litigators are ready to fight this, but we need documentation that folks are still locked out. Your specific info will not be shared with anyone without your permission.
2) Keep moving forward and stay in compliance.
– The best way to “win” is to successfully implement your project. If you can, proceed with your work.
– Make sure your finances are in order. If you are an EPA grant program awardee, or you know someone who is, please reach out to Kathy Pope at EPN for information on our February 12th, 1-2:30pm eastern, training on financial management. We will spend the first half on the training and the second half in breakout rooms by grant.
3) Make the most of your Senators and US Representatives being home around President’s Day.
– Consider reaching out to your elected officials and educating them on the benefits your project will provide to their constituents and complement state investment, especially in terms of jobs, stimulating the economy, energy independence, decreased exposure to pollution, and more.
– Consider inviting them to visit your site/proposed site and/or meeting with partners.
– If you need pro bono assistance with this, please reach out.
4) Once you have access again, consider trying to get as much of your funding properly and legally drawn down as quickly as possible.
– As always, make sure you are 100% clear on your award obligations and that you remain 100% in compliance.
– Remember, for most grants, you will need to spend these funds within 5 days (payroll, purchases, etc.)
– Do not draw down funds improperly. If you have questions about a potential drawdown, please reach out.
5) If you are “in limbo” please reach out.
For example, please tell us if you have been selected but have not received your award or your award was signed but not emailed to you.