The new head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Lee Zeldin, has announced plans to rescind $20 billion in grants awarded by the Biden administration for climate and clean-energy projects. Zeldin aims to revoke contracts for a “green bank” program that supports projects fighting climate change and promoting environmental justice. The program, known as the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, allocates $14 billion and $6 billion for grants targeting disadvantaged communities.
Democrats champion the green bank as a key climate initiative, while Republicans criticize it as a “slush fund” lacking transparency and accountability. Zeldin emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for waste and abuse at the EPA, referencing concerns raised in a video alleging reckless spending under the Biden administration. This move has sparked controversy, with clean energy advocates condemning it as a partisan attack on clean energy investments and a violation of constitutional norms.
Despite the controversy, the grants have already been awarded to eight nonprofits, including well-known organizations like the Coalition for Green Capital and Habitat for Humanity. Former Vice President Kamala Harris had announced these grant awards in Charlotte, North Carolina. Zeldin’s decision to revoke the grants is expected to face legal challenges, as critics argue that it undermines crucial environmental and clean energy initiatives.
