EPA Chief Moves to Cancel $20 Billion in Green Energy Grants
Zeldin’s actions come amid a broader effort by the Trump administration to freeze climate, energy, and environmental justice funding.
Image via Boy Wirat from Getty Images
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is on a mission to roll back $20 billion in clean energy and transportation grants from the Biden-era Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. He’s calling the whole thing a “scheme,” arguing that the money was rushed out the door with little oversight. In a post on X last Thursday, he said he’s bringing in the big guns—the Inspector General, Congress, and the DOJ—to help undo contracts with eight regional groups managing the funds. Safe to say, this fight is just getting started.
In April of last year, the Biden EPA designated these organizations to distribute funding for home energy retrofits, off-grid renewable energy, and other climate initiatives in disadvantaged communities. These projects, authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act and bipartisan infrastructure bill, were expected to operate over seven years and reduce or avoid up to 40 million metric tons of climate pollution annually.
Zeldin’s actions come amid a broader effort by the Trump administration to freeze climate, energy, and environmental justice funding, despite multiple court rulings ordering the release of funds. At least $19 billion in EPA grants to state and local governments and nonprofits remain on hold.
Democratic lawmakers and environmental advocates argue that dismantling these programs will likely require congressional approval.
"If Donald Trump wants to gut funding that is creating good-paying energy jobs all over our country, he can come to Congress and win the votes he needs to do that," said Washington State Senator Patty Murray.
The funding freeze is just one part of the administration’s broader effort to reshape the EPA.
Last week, Trump ordered the dismissal of dozens of probationary employees in the agency’s Chicago office, many of them scientists and environmental specialists. Because they had not yet secured full job protections, they were cut without due process. The mass firings raise concerns about the agency’s ability to enforce environmental protections and oversee ongoing projects.
Critics argue that the administration is attempting to dismantle climate programs by labeling them fraudulent without evidence. Legal experts warn that while courts may ultimately rule against the funding freeze, delays could cause irreparable harm to communities relying on these programs.
Senator Patty Murray condemned the administration’s actions, stating, “These programs aren’t just about climate—they’re saving families money and providing affordable housing and transportation options.”
With lawsuits pending and congressional lawmakers unlikely to intervene, the future of billions in climate funding remains uncertain.
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