Biden-era climate funding faces rollback as Trump's EPA seeks to reclaim $20 billion

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will attempt to rescind $20 billion allocated for clean energy projects under the Biden administration, with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin citing concerns over rushed spending and limited oversight.

Maxine Joselow reports for The Washington Post.

In short:

Zeldin announced plans to terminate the EPA’s financial agreement with Citi, which was managing the distribution of the funds.
The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader efforts to freeze federal climate funding, despite a court ruling requiring the release of grant money.
The decision follows a covertly recorded video of an EPA official describing efforts to distribute funds quickly before the new administration took office.

Key quote:

“The days of irresponsibly shoveling boatloads of cash to far-left activist groups in the name of environmental justice and climate equity are over.”

— Lee Zeldin, EPA administrator

Why this matters:

The fight over climate funding underscores the deep political divide in U.S. environmental policy. As some lawmakers push to reclaim federal dollars allocated for renewable energy and climate mitigation, the uncertainty threatens to slow investments in clean technology and infrastructure projects nationwide. At stake are billions of dollars intended to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, modernize the power grid and support industries transitioning away from fossil fuels.

www.washingtonpost.com

Biden-era climate funding faces rollback as Trump's EPA seeks to reclaim $20 billion

‘Dismal’ health of world’s forests is threat to humanity, report warns

Nations meet to consider regulations to drive a green transition in shipping

Climate investment is only growth opportunity of 21st century, says leading economist

Dozens are dead and dozens more missing as catastrophic rains devastate Mexico

One dead, about 1,000 displaced as western Alaska hit by ex-typhoon

Government shutdown cuts off flood insurance program during storm season

Extreme heat is making toxics even more dangerous to farmworkers, study says

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.