NE Washington News

In a recent report, House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans have scrutinized the Biden-Harris Administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for allocating nearly three billion dollars in taxpayer funds to "environmental justice" grants. The report suggests these grants were awarded to activist groups with political influence and ties to wealthy donors.

Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, alongside Subcommittee Chairs Morgan Griffith and Earl L. “Buddy” Carter, expressed concerns about the administration's actions: "It couldn’t be more clear: The Biden-Harris administration rewards its environmental special interests at the expense of the American people. As part of its radical rush-to-green agenda, the administration gave hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to activists who also engage in political activities."

The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law by President Biden in 2022, significantly increased the EPA’s budget, including funds for environmental justice grants. Critics argue that some programs lack oversight protections and funnel money to groups engaged in political activities.

The report highlights instances such as a $10 million grant to West Harlem Environmental Action, Incorporated (WE ACT), which opposes liquified natural gas infrastructure. The Climate Justice Alliance and other organizations involved have expressed political opinions against Republican policies.

The committee's findings raise questions about the use of public funds for initiatives that may serve political agendas rather than purely environmental objectives.