A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to release $180 million in federal funding for environmental justice projects, including $60 million in the Pacific Northwest.

The Environmental Protection Agency had blocked that funding in February.

The agency had selected Seattle-based Philanthropy Northwest in 2023 to distribute competitive grant funds to disadvantaged communities trying to fight pollution or adapt to climate change in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Philanthropy Northwest, the Minneapolis Foundation, and Baltimore-based Green and Healthy Homes Initiative sued EPA in April. Each regional organization had $60 million in EPA funds frozen as the agency canceled its environmental justice programs.

“We are thrilled with the court’s decision, and we know that there is a road ahead, and are committed to doing our best to secure these funds,” Meredith Higashi with Philanthropy Northwest said.

An EPA spokesperson declined an interview request and said the agency is reviewing the decision.