The Biden-Harris administration faces accusations of misusing environmental justice funds, as a House report reveals the allocation of millions to left-wing activist groups.
At a Glance
- House report criticizes allocation of environmental justice funds to left-wing activist groups
- EPA used Inflation Reduction Act funds to support groups aligned with administration’s climate agenda
- Climate Justice Alliance received $50 million despite advocating for fossil fuel abolition
- Republicans claim funding resembles taxpayer-funded lobbying operation
- Concerns raised about potential waste, fraud, and abuse in fund distribution
Biden Administration Under Fire for Environmental Fund Allocation
The Biden-Harris administration is facing severe criticism following a report by the House Energy and Commerce Committee that found the president may have been funding extremist groups and hoping you just didn’t find out about it.
The report suggests that “environmental justice” funds, intended to address environmental inequities in low-income and minority communities, were predominantly allocated to left-wing activist groups. This revelation has sparked controversy and raised questions about the administration’s priorities and transparency in financial decision-making.
According to the report, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) utilized funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to support organizations that align with the administration’s climate and green energy agendas. This decision has led to accusations that the funding resembles a taxpayer-funded lobbying operation, supporting groups that advocate for extreme environmental positions.
One of the most contentious allocations highlighted in the report is the $50 million granted to the Climate Justice Alliance.
Yes, $50 million.
The organization is known for its advocacy to abolish fossil fuels and nuclear energy, positions that many consider too extreme and potentially harmful to the American energy sector. In other words: they’re extremists.
“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,” House Energy and Commerce Committee said.
Other recipients of the environmental justice funds include WE ACT For Environmental Justice, the Southern Environmental Law Center, and the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice. These organizations are noted for their significant influence on policy, raising concerns about the potential politicization of environmental funding.
EPA Defends Allocation Process
In response to the criticism, the EPA has defended its allocation process. The agency maintains that all funding applications undergo a rigorous competitive process to ensure compliance with grant commitments and laws.
“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,” EPA spokesperson said.
However, the report raises concerns about the use of “pass-through” grantmakers and tight timelines, which could increase the risks of waste, fraud, and abuse in the distribution of these funds. This has led to calls for greater oversight and transparency in the allocation process.
How do you feel about the Biden administration spending your taxes in this way?