‘Democrats Oppose Funding Freeze That Terrorizes EPA’
TL/DR –
Democrats, activists, and EPA employees are seeking clarity regarding EPA programs purportedly suspended due to the Trump administration’s freeze on federal climate and infrastructure grants. Large concerns surround the Department of Government Efficiency under Elon Musk, which some allege is causing upheaval within the EPA. The freeze has particularly impacted programs on climate change and environmental justice, with an online tool mapping areas overburdened by pollution taken offline and reports indicating numerous EPA employees have been put on administrative leave.
Democrats Seek Clarity on EPA Programs Amid Trump Administration Actions
Democrats and activists are seeking information on alleged suspension of EPA programs due to the Trump administration’s halt on federal climate and infrastructure grants, and restrictions on environmental justice initiatives.
Protest Over Government Efficiency Department
Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) along with House lawmakers, environmental groups, and workers rallied at the EPA headquarters to protest the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a program initiated by tech mogul Elon Musk, and selected by President Trump to manage a significant government overhaul.
“DOGE units are intimidating EPA workers and our request to meet with them and the EPA has been denied,” Markey stated.
DOGE Presence in EPA
An EPA staffer recruited under DOGE was recently listed in the EPA’s staff directory as a “federal detailee,” but detailed information has been kept under wraps by the agency.
Environmental Justice and Climate Change Programs Under Review
DOGE’s focus is primarily on environmental justice and climate change programs. EJScreen, EPA’s pollution mapping tool, was recently deactivated. EPA’s environmental justice office staff were rumored to be on administrative leave, but this was denied by EPA spokesperson Molly Vaseliou.
Former EPA official Matthew Tejada expressed concerns for his former colleagues, stating they were “waiting to be told they don’t have a job.”
“The administration cannot disband the Office of Environmental Justice, and we will fight them on this,” stated Margie Alt, campaign director of the Climate Action Campaign.
Trump’s Executive Order
Trump’s executive order signed last Monday paused all federal grants to review and potentially block any initiatives linked to “woke” policies, including former President Joe Biden’s environmental laws, the bipartisan infrastructure law, and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Although a court ordered the freeze lifted, and some programs have received funds, many are still awaiting their funding.
Funds Unlocked for EPA’s Brownfields Program
Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced that funds for the EPA’s Brownfields program were released as of Tuesday night. However, the EPA hasn’t responded to queries regarding the federal grant freeze.
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