The Trump administration has terminated $20 billion in funding for projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a move criticized by climate advocates and Democrats who argue that the funds were meant for clean energy and transportation initiatives in disadvantaged communities.
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Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin has announced the decision to reclaim the money from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which was originally allocated by Congress under the Biden administration to support pollution control projects.
In a statement released on Tuesday (March 11, 2025), the EPA justified its decision to reclaim the funds, citing a lack of alignment with the agency’s priorities and concerns about potential fraud, waste, and abuse, although specific details were not provided.
The U.S. Justice Department and the FBI are currently investigating the program, according to the EPA.
The EPA has stated that it will utilize the funds in accordance with the law, implementing enhanced controls, but did not specify how the money will be used.
“EPA is committed to responsibly managing taxpayer dollars for the protection of human health and the environment, rather than frivolous spending in the name of ‘climate equity’,” said Mr. Zeldin.
The $20 billion was allocated by Congress through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act during the tenure of Democratic President Joe Biden. However, under the administration of Republican President Donald Trump, the EPA has sought to halt funding related to climate change and environmental justice amidst legal challenges.
Recently, the Climate United Fund advocacy group filed a lawsuit against the EPA and Citigroup’s Citibank for withholding the funds and violating a legally binding contract, preventing them and seven other recipients from accessing the funds.
Published – March 12, 2025 06:09 pm IST
