Environmental advocates warned that the order could have immediate and dire consequences for Americans if it takes effect.
“From the White House, this is the reckless stroke of a pen,” said Manish Bapna, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, in a statement. “On the ground, it’s a cold home in the dead of winter. It’s a child going hungry at school. It’s a family that can’t pay the rent. It’s higher utility costs for low-income households in every state.”
The list of programs includes dozens across the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Samantha Montano, an assistant professor of emergency management at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, said the pause on assistance could effectively halt that agency’s programs that help state and local governments prepare for and recover from disasters.
“I think…
