Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has taken legal action against the Trump Administration, joining a coalition of 20 states in a lawsuit. The lawsuit challenges the administration's decision to terminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which was designed to help communities prepare for natural disasters.

The BRIC program aimed to strengthen infrastructure across the nation by providing resources for disaster preparedness. According to Nessel, "Michigan has seen in recent years just how devastating severe storms and flooding can be." She emphasized that shutting down the program is both unlawful and dangerous, especially in light of recent events such as the tragedy in Texas.

The lawsuit claims that FEMA's decision violates Congress's mandate to fund the BRIC program. It argues that the Executive Branch lacks authority to unilaterally halt spending appropriated by Congress. Additionally, it contends that terminating the program breaches several legal principles, including the Separation of Powers and Administrative Procedures Act.

Attorney General Nessel highlighted Michigan's reliance on BRIC funding for projects like flood reduction efforts in Southeastern Michigan and constructing a community saferoom shelter in Allegan County. With these funds now at risk, she stated her commitment to protecting Michiganders from what she described as illegal actions by the Trump Administration.

Nessel is joined by Attorneys General from states including Arizona, California, Colorado, and New York, among others. They are seeking both preliminary and permanent injunctions to restore BRIC funding.