Stacey Abrams Linked to Massive EPA Grant
TL/DR –
President Trump has accused Georgia activist Stacey Abrams of playing a key role in facilitating a $2 billion deal between left-wing nonprofit groups and the Environmental Protection Agency during the Biden administration. Some media outlets, including the Washington Post, have downplayed Abrams’ involvement in the deal. However, information suggests that Abrams and her partner Ari Matusiak, CEO of Rewiring America, were key in winning the massive grant, as revealed in a podcast last year.
Stacey Abrams’ role in $2 billion EPA deal scrutinized
Georgia activist Stacey Abrams was recently accused by President Trump of participating in a dubious $2 billion deal between liberal nonprofit groups and the Environmental Protection Agency during the Biden administration. Trump claimed Abrams was involved, a statement which was subsequently challenged by various media organizations including The Washington Post.
The Post argues that President Trump and conservative media have grossly exaggerated Abrams’ part in this vast green-energy initiative. They stressed that Abrams was not tied to the EPA grant for Power Forward, a claim that was also made by PolitiFact, a fact-checking site overseen by the liberal Poynter Institute.
However, contrary to these claims, Abrams and her associate Ari Matusiak, CEO of Rewiring America, were key in securing this sizable grant. This fact was admitted in a podcast where Matusiak stated that Abrams helped assemble the Power Forward Communities coalition. This coalition was then successful in obtaining the $2 billion grant.
Despite PolitiFact insisting that Abrams no longer works for Rewiring, her website states that she remains active with the nonprofit as a senior adviser and consultant. Abrams and Matusiak declined to comment when contacted.
Exploring the timeline of the deal
Public records reveal the sequence of events leading to the multi-billion dollar grant awarded by the Biden administration:
2021-2022: Matusiak, a former special assistant to President Obama, joins Rewiring America. The group collaborates with Biden officials and Democratic lawmakers to shape provisions included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This legislation creates a funding vehicle for green groups like Rewiring.
August 2022: Biden signs the Inflation Reduction Act, establishing the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
November 2022: The White House announces Rewiring America will lead a coalition to educate low-income households about the Inflation Reduction Act.
March 2023: After introductions by Biden officials, Rewiring hires Abrams to help promote the federal project.
July 2023: EPA opens the chance for groups to apply for billions in funding through the Inflation Reduction Act.
October 2023: Rewiring America teams up with Enterprise Community Partners, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, United Way, and Habitat for Humanity to form Power Forward Communities. This coalition applies for $9.5 billion from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
April 2024: The White House selects Rewiring America and four other members of the Power Forward Communities coalition to receive a $1.92 billion EPA grant.
July 2024: Abrams continues to stand by Biden after a poor debate performance against Trump.
The Trump administration is currently probing the grant review process, alleging it was uncompetitive due to the close relationship between Rewiring, Abrams, and the Biden administration.
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