The Biden-Harris administration faces accusations of funneling ‘environmental justice’ funds to left-leaning activist groups, sparking controversy and raising questions about the impartial distribution of taxpayer money.
At a Glance
- House report criticizes Biden-Harris administration for allocating environmental justice funds to left-wing activists
- EPA accused of using Inflation Reduction Act funds to support groups aligned with administration’s climate agenda
- Lawmakers argue funding resembles taxpayer-funded lobbying for extreme environmental views
- EPA defends rigorous competitive process for grant applications
- Republicans criticize administration for prioritizing environmental special interests over American people
House Report Unveils Controversial Funding Practices
The House Energy and Commerce Committee has released a scathing report accusing the Biden-Harris administration of misusing taxpayer funds under the guise of “environmental justice.” The report alleges that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been channeling money from the Inflation Reduction Act to support groups that align with the administration’s climate and green energy agendas.
Lawmakers argue that this funding strategy bears a striking resemblance to a taxpayer-funded lobbying operation, effectively supporting groups that advocate for extreme environmental views, such as the complete elimination of fossil fuels. The report has ignited a fierce debate about the appropriate use of public funds and the potential politicization of environmental initiatives.
One of the most contentious allocations highlighted in the report is a $50 million grant to the Climate Justice Alliance, an organization known for its advocacy to abolish both fossil fuels and nuclear energy. This substantial funding has raised eyebrows and fueled concerns about the administration’s commitment to a balanced energy approach.
“The lists of organizations selected to receive funding or partner with those organizations include environmental activist organizations that work to influence public and elected officials to adopt their often-extreme views, such as completely eliminating the use of fossil fuels, which Americans recognize are an important part of an all-of-the-above energy mix,” the House Energy and Commerce Committee said.
Other organizations benefiting from the environmental justice funds include WE ACT For Environmental Justice, the Southern Environmental Law Center, and the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice. These groups are noted for their significant influence on policy-making, further fueling the controversy surrounding the funding allocations.
In response to the allegations, the EPA has staunchly defended its funding process. An EPA spokesperson asserted, “All eligible applications submitted for EPA funding go through a rigorous competitive process. EPA takes program integrity very seriously and will continue delivering on the Biden-Harris Administration’s environmental justice goals in a robust and transparent manner.”
However, this defense has done little to quell the concerns of Republican lawmakers. Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, Morgan Griffith of Virginia, and Buddy Carter of Georgia issued a joint statement criticizing 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,” Republican Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, Morgan Griffith of Virginia and Buddy Carter of Georgia said.
The lawmakers expressed concern about the use of “pass-through” grant-makers and tight timelines, which they argue increases the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse in the distribution of these funds. They also criticized the rush to allocate funds without proper safeguards, suggesting that such haste could potentially benefit foreign entities like the Chinese Communist Party.
This controversy threatens to undermine the credibility of the Biden-Harris administration’s environmental justice initiatives. As the debate unfolds, it raises important questions about maintaining impartiality and equity in the disbursement of funds meant to address environmental disparities.
It looks as though they were funding extremists…while hoping you wouldn’t notice.
