EPA Cancels $1.7 Billion in DEI and Environmental Justice Grants
Administrator Lee Zeldin announces the cuts as part of broader efforts to reduce federal spending and address alleged mismanagement of funds by the previous administration.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has canceled over 400 grants totaling $1.7 billion, targeting diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and environmental justice initiatives.
- Administrator Lee Zeldin stated the cuts are part of the Trump administration's broader cost-cutting measures, saving the EPA over $2 billion since January.
- Two $20 million grants awarded under the Biden administration to nonprofits with ties to White House advisers were among those canceled, raising concerns about oversight and accountability.
- The Department of Justice and FBI are investigating $20 billion in funds parked at a financial institution under the Biden administration's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund program, which has been frozen during the probe.
- Zeldin emphasized a commitment to reducing wasteful spending, including cutting real estate costs, unnecessary travel, and media subscriptions, as part of a pledge to significantly reduce the EPA's budget.