Trump’s EPA Just Pulled the Plug on Joe Biden’s Climate Boondoggle

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in coordination with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has canceled more than $67 million in grants previously designated for what the agency described as “wasteful DEI and Environmental Justice grants.”

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin made the announcement on Saturday, highlighting the administration’s effort to eliminate unnecessary spending.

Zeldin, a former Republican congressman from New York, was appointed by President Donald Trump to lead the EPA with a mandate to recover billions in taxpayer funds previously allocated to climate initiatives under the Biden-Harris administration.

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Since taking office, Zeldin has focused on cutting back spending he believes does not align with the agency’s core mission.

Zeldin confirmed the latest funding cuts in a post on X, stating that 21 grants, totaling $77.1 million, had been flagged for review. Of that amount, $67.4 million that had not yet been distributed is now officially canceled.

“UPDATE: I just cancelled another 21 wasteful DEI and Environmental Justice grants, with the help of our amazing @DOGE team, racking up $67M more in savings!” Zeldin wrote, sharing a New York Post report outlining some of the targeted grants.

UPDATE: I just cancelled another 21 wasteful DEI and Environmental Justice grants, with the help of our amazing @DOGE team, racking up $67M more in savings! https://t.co/NKPc6sURqs

— Lee Zeldin (@epaleezeldin) February 22, 2025

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Among the organizations affected is the Vermont-based Institute of Sustainable Communities, which had been awarded $16 million in grants by the Biden-Harris administration for a “National Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center.” However, the EPA has now rescinded $12.4 million of the remaining balance.

The San Diego State University Foundation also saw funding cuts. Its grant, which was intended to support “environmental justice” programs for “underserved” tribal, indigenous, and Pacific Island communities, has been revoked.

This latest move follows a series of budgetary rollbacks by the Trump administration aimed at redirecting funds to core environmental protection initiatives.

Earlier this month, Zeldin announced the cancellation of $50 million in funding that had been allocated to a “Free Palestine” climate group.

I just cancelled a $50 MILLION Biden-era environmental justice grant to the Climate Justice Alliance, which believes “climate justice travels through a Free Palestine”.

— Lee Zeldin (@epaleezeldin) February 13, 2025

“We will make sure every penny spent by EPA goes towards protecting human health and the environment, and Powering the Great American Comeback,” Zeldin told the New York Post.

“I am proud to partner with DOGE to restore fiscal responsibility and accountability in our government.”

Zeldin has been vocal about ensuring the EPA prioritizes its primary mission of environmental protection rather than diverting funds to what he describes as politically motivated initiatives.

The Biden EPA tossed $20 billion of “gold bars off the Titanic”.

BIG UPDATE! We found the gold bars and they are now being recovered for you, the hardworking American taxpayer.

Here are more of the details: pic.twitter.com/DM4C0TQcpj

— Lee Zeldin (@epaleezeldin) February 13, 2025

The agency has vowed to continue identifying additional grants and programs that may be subject to similar cancellations.

The Trump administration has made it clear that reversing the Biden-era expansion of environmental justice and diversity-based programs is a key priority.

By rescinding funds from these initiatives, the administration aims to shift focus back to traditional environmental protection efforts while cutting what it sees as unnecessary spending.

With additional reviews ongoing, more funding cuts could be announced in the coming weeks as the EPA and DOGE continue their evaluation of previously approved grants.

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