We want to start by acknowledging our friends and colleagues in Minneapolis who have, once again, been thrust into the forefront of our national fight for human dignity. The EPN team was in Minneapolis recently to plan for 2026 and spend time with and learn from our local staff and partners. If you are looking for ways to support folks on the ground, you can check out this mutual aid clearinghouse.

Three Important Steps This Week for Terminated EPA Grantees:

1. If You Have A Grant Termination & Have Not Yet Closed Out

– Please contact us ASAP via SFA@L4GG.org (for Solar for All) or FPC@L4GG.org (everyone else) if you still have questions. We can provide technical assistance and, through the COFC Clinic, connect you with a pro bono attorney to provide personalized guidance.

2. Join Our Grants Management Webinars/Office Hours This Wednesday, January 28, 12:30-2pm Eastern

– We will cover: litigation updates, a review of legal options for grantees and how to address closeout deadlines, and a brief overview of the support EPN, L4GG, and others provide beyond grants.
– If you do not see this on your calendar, please email kate.mason@environmentalprotectionnetwork.org, and BE SURE TO MANUALLY CLICK “ADD TO CALENDAR” IN THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL!
– If you haven’t ever attended one of our grants webinars, please sign up here.

3. Please Fill Out Our Survey So We Know the Current Status of Your Grant

– If you haven’t already, please fill out this quick survey by COB today!

Today’s Good News (And Other Updates):

EPA Funded for FY26 Well Above President Trump’s Proposed Budget

– Trump signed a government funding bill on January 23 that funds the EPA at $8.82 billion – $4.7 billion above Trump’s original budget proposal and $1.8 billion above the House Republicans’ bill, both of which would have decimated the agency. Congress also rejected a number of policy proposals that, if enshrined into law, would have further undermined EPA’s long-term public health mission. EPN’s statement and a fact sheet from the appropriations committee can be found on our website. Note: There may still be a partial shutdown this week after Senate Democrats pulled their support for the last set of funding bills that includes Homeland Security (and ICE), which would not impact EPA or the other agencies that already had funding bills signed into law.

Legal Challenges Continue

– L4GG filed a reply brief in the Appalachian Voices v. EPA case challenging the agency’s elimination of the Section 138 program (Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grants). Oral argument before the DC Circuit will take place on March 16.
– L4GG successfully quashed a DOJ subpoena demanding the medical records of over 3,000 transgender youth at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles by arguing that the government’s request violated patients’ constitutional right to privacy and exceeded the government’s legal authority. Read more here.
– Related Litigation Update: We received a not-so-great ruling from the 4th Circuit in Sustainability Institute et. al. v. Trump et. al. (4th Cir. Docket No. 15-1575, January 21, 2026). The Appeals Court vacated the South Carolina District Court’s finding that EPA and USDA violated the Administrative Procedures Act in terminating EJ grants on Tucker Act jurisdictional grounds, and expressed skepticism regarding the merits of the plaintiffs’ Constitutional and statutory claims. The Southern Environmental Law Center is litigating this case and looks forward to arguing on the remand to the District Court.

Webinars:

Department of Energy Terminated Grants Support and Resources

– If you have a terminated DOE grant, please complete L4GG’s Intake Form. L4GG is actively supporting numerous DOE grantees (and USDA grantees!).
– L4GG and the DOE Alumni Network host bi-weekly webinars (alternating with the EPN bi-weekly webinars) to discuss updates regarding DOE grant terminations, litigation, and guidance. The next webinar will be on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 12:30pm Eastern, and the link to register is here.

EPN and Green Jobs Network: Accelerate Your Green Jobs Search with LinkedIn

Searching for a green or climate job and wondering how to stand out—or even where to look? Join EPN on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5:30–6:30pm Eastern for an interactive webinar with Leonard Adler, CEO of Green Jobs Network: Accelerate Your Green Jobs Search with LinkedIn.

LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools for job seekers in the climate and sustainability space—but only if you know how to use it strategically. In this session, Leonard will share practical, step-by-step tips for accelerating your green jobs search using LinkedIn’s free features, including job alerts, groups, and other underutilized tools that can help you discover new opportunities and expand your network.

Whether you’re actively job hunting, exploring a career transition, or simply want to stay informed about opportunities in the green economy, this webinar will provide actionable insights you can start using right away. Register here.

Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services Workshops

Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services is a nonprofit environmental law organization that works to expand access to environmental justice by providing legal services regardless of a client’s income. Fair Shake offers a range of services, including legal counsel, litigation support, nonprofit consulting, and community planning and outreach. The organization works with individuals, community groups, and nonprofits to help navigate environmental law, policy, and decision-making processes.

Beginning this year, Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services is launching a monthly legal advocacy workshop series, held every third week of the month, focused on building community knowledge and practical skills related to law and public policy. Registered participants receive follow-up resources to support continued learning and action.

The next workshop, “Permitting and Zoning,” will take place this Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 12–1:30pm Eastern. This session will take a look at the range of permits large industrial facilities typically need, how zoning is critical for local input, and understanding how to navigate various permitting systems. Register here, and please visit Fair Shake’s events page for the most current workshop information.

Funding Opportunities:

Conagra Brands Foundation Community Impact Grants

The Conagra Brands Foundation Community Impact Grants program supports nonprofit organizations that are creating meaningful, community-centered solutions to food insecurity while expanding access to entrepreneurial opportunities across the farm-to-fork economy. The Foundation funds a broad range of initiatives that strengthen local food systems, promote economic participation, and help individuals and communities thrive.

U.S.-based nonprofit organizations are eligible to submit one online Letter of Intent (LOI) during the application window. LOIs are accepted January 1 through February 15, 2026, and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Organizations whose concepts align with the Foundation’s priorities may be invited to submit a full application with additional project details and documentation. Interested organizations are encouraged to review the guidelines and submit their LOI before the deadline here.

Janisha R. Gabriel Movement Protection Fund

The Janisha R. Gabriel Movement Protection Fund (MPF) at Solidaire Network moves resources quickly to support frontline organizers and movement formations facing immediate security threats, while also investing in longer-term safety and protection infrastructure.

The fund supports movements organizing for abolition, antiwar efforts, climate justice, Indigenous sovereignty, racial justice, trans liberation, and other frontline struggles—many of which are experiencing heightened threats, harassment, surveillance, and repression as a result of their work. MPF is designed to meet both urgent and ongoing protection needs, recognizing that safety is essential to sustaining powerful, resilient movements.

Eligible funding needs may include:

Crisis response and rapid support teams
Legal defense and mass bail efforts
Physical and digital security tools and infrastructure
Security personnel
Mental health, healing, and wellness support for organizers and movement leaders

To learn more, you can sign up for an upcoming information session on February 19, 2026, at 11am Pacific/2pm Eastern, by contacting mpf@SolidaireNetwork.org and visiting the Movement Protection Fund page.