U.S. EPA Cancels Over $60 Million in Biden-Era Environmental Funding

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the cancellation of 20 grants totaling nearly $61 million as part of a broader initiative to eliminate funding for programs associated with diversity, equity, inclusion, or DEI, and environmental justice, which the current administration deems as wasteful. This marks the second round of cancellations, in collaboration with the Department of Government Efficiency, to rescind the former Biden administration’s funding for such programs.

Earlier this month, the agency canceled nine contracts related to DEI, environmental justice, and more totaling nearly $60 million. This brings the total value of canceled funding to more than $171 million.

Last week, the agency announced that it had found $20 billion parked at a financial institution by the former Biden administration to allocate funds with limited oversight. The agency seeks to terminate the financial agent agreement and return the funds to the U.S. Treasury for proper oversight.

One of the first canceled contracts includes a $50 million environmental justice grant to the Climate Justice Alliance, which includes 95 urban and rural frontline communities, organizations and supporting networks in the climate justice movement. In a press release, the alliance criticized the decision calling it an attack on working-class communities, rural and urban families.

The grant cancellations are a key part of the EPA’s efforts to implement some of President Trump’s executive orders including the “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEIA Programs and Preferencing” and the “Unleashing American Energy” which calls for federal agencies to review funding related to clean energy and climate initiatives. Since taking office, President Trump has shifted the nation’s energy policy to prioritize fossil fuels over renewable energy.