EPA Administration Announces Termination of $20 Billion Grants to Climate Organizations
The announcement regarding the move was made in a post on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administration disclosed that it has terminated $20 billion in what it termed “gold bar” grants awarded to eight recipients.
Last month, Zeldin mentioned in a video on X that the EPA aimed to rescind $20 billion in grants given by the Biden administration for climate and alternative energy initiatives.
The program, which received approval under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, is formally recognized as the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, commonly referred to as the “green bank.” It consists of two initiatives valued at $14 billion and $6 billion, respectively, aimed at providing competitive grants to nonprofits, community development banks, and other organizations focused on underserved communities.
The funds had already been distributed to eight nonprofit organizations, including the Coalition for Green Capital, Climate United Fund, Power Forward Communities, Opportunity Finance Network, Inclusiv, and the Justice Climate Fund. These organizations have teamed up with various groups, such as Rewiring America, Habitat for Humanity, and the Community Preservation Corporation.
Zeldin also noted in a video released on Tuesday that both the FBI and the Department of Justice are investigating the funds, which have since been frozen.
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“The EPA has the full authority to execute this action, and we were left with no alternative,” he remarked. The terminations announced on Tuesday were made due to the programs being in breach of the EPA’s statutory objectives and being inconsistent with the current administration’s focus.
“The only way to curb waste … is by discontinuing these grants,” Zeldin, a former Republican congressman, stated in the video.
He mentioned last month that he made a significant promise to members of Congress prior to his confirmation and emphasized a desire for “full transparency” regarding EPA funds.
“The era of mindlessly funneling massive sums of money to far-left activist organizations under the guise of environmental justice and climate equity has come to an end,” Zeldin commented then.
Green energy supporters criticized the EPA’s recent actions as a political maneuver, arguing that Zeldin is unlawfully attempting to revoke Congress-approved funding for partisan motives. They vowed to contest the directive in court.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris announced the grant allocations last year during an event in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
