Trump administration claws back $20 billion in climate funds
The Hindu
EPA Administrator Zeldin claws back funds from Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, citing concerns of fraud and abuse.
The Trump administration has ended $20 billion in funding for greenhouse gas reduction projects in a move that climate advocates and Democrats say illegally seizes money allocated for clean energy and transportation for disadvantaged communities.
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Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin had publicized his campaign to claw back money from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which Congress appropriated under the Biden administration to kick-start projects aimed at curbing pollution.
In a statement late on Tuesday (March 11, 2025), the EPA said it had clawed back the funds, saying the program did not align with the agency's priorities and citing concerns with potential fraud, waste and abuse, although it gave no details.
The U.S. Justice Department and the FBI are reviewing the program, it added.
The EPA said it would work to use the funds "with enhanced controls" within the law but did not say specifically what it would do with the money.
"EPA will be an exceptional steward of taxpayer dollars dedicated to our core mission of protecting human health and the environment, not a frivolous spender in the name of 'climate equity'," Mr. Zeldin said.
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