EPA Faces Bipartisan Backlash Over Climate Grant Freeze

In a heated Senate hearing, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) came under fire from both parties for suspending billions in climate and environmental justice grants. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin defended the Trump administration’s decision to halt nearly $3 billion intended for disadvantaged communities, along with $20 billion in green energy financing. Democrats argued the freeze violates federal law by withholding funds already approved by Congress. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski criticized the cuts as harmful and indiscriminate, especially for rural areas like Alaska. Zeldin cited new policy directions under President Trump and indicated some funding may resume—if references to environmental justice and diversity are removed, per a Trump executive order. The frozen grants were designed to help vulnerable communities reduce pollution exposure and prepare for climate impacts such as floods and heatwaves. Critics warn the freeze could stall key infrastructure projects and reflects a broader debate over science, equity, and executive authority.

21-05-2025