EPA Chief Moves to Revoke Trump-Era Green Energy Grants

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin plans to cancel contracts for distributing $20 billion in green energy grants from the Biden administration, requesting cooperation from various government bodies to achieve this. Democratic lawmakers oppose the move, which affects projects and funding set up by the previous administration.

In a significant policy shift, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has announced plans to terminate contracts established under the Biden administration for distributing $20 billion in grants aimed at clean energy and transportation projects in disadvantaged communities.

The original contracts, part of actions authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act and a bipartisan infrastructure bill, were designed to help reduce climate pollution by up to 40 million metric tons annually over the next seven years. Zeldin has criticized the prior administration's approach, arguing it rushed the distribution of funds with limited oversight.

Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, argue that Congress must be involved in dismantling existing funding structures. This contention highlights the ongoing political interplays that shape U.S. environmental and economic policy, marking another confrontation in the ongoing battle over climate change mitigation efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)