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.
Related: Zeldin confirmed to lead EPA, setting the stage for regulatory rollbacks
