Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford has joined a coalition of 15 other attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The legal action aims to prevent what they describe as illegal attempts to reduce funding for National Science Foundation (NSF) programs that support scientific research and education.
On April 18, the NSF began terminating projects aimed at increasing participation in STEM fields by women, minorities, and people with disabilities. Subsequently, on May 2, it announced plans to cap "indirect costs" for research projects at 15%. This decision could significantly reduce funding for essential research infrastructure across the country.
"President Trump is violating the law again," said AG Ford. He emphasized that these cuts would severely impact Nevada's academic institutions financially. For instance, in fiscal year 2023, UNR received $19.6 million and UNLV $9.4 million from federally sponsored NSF research funds. Both universities face potential losses of millions annually due to the proposed cap.
Since its establishment in 1950, the NSF has played a crucial role in maintaining U.S. leadership in STEM fields. It also focuses on enhancing diversity within these areas as mandated by Congress. However, following the NSF's recent directive to terminate diversity-focused programs, numerous projects have been canceled.
The lawsuit argues that capping indirect costs at 15% would harm scientific research nationwide by leading to project cancellations and staff layoffs. Similar attempts by the administration concerning NIH and DOE grants were previously halted by courts.
AG Ford and his colleagues claim that these directives violate both the Administrative Procedure Act and constitutional provisions by altering NSF policy without congressional approval.
Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin have joined AG Ford in this legal challenge.