House Oversight Chairman James Comer is intensifying his investigation into the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during the Biden administration, alleging that it improperly distributed $20 billion in grants to certain political allies.
Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, has requested that eight nonprofit organizations that received these grants provide detailed information about their funding and staff salaries. The funds in question stem from two programs established under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, created to support projects aimed at disadvantaged communities through grants awarded to nonprofits and community development banks. Earlier this month, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin sought to end the programs, but a court ruling has temporarily halted that decision.
According to Comer, the Biden administration’s EPA avoided proper scrutiny by making a deal with an outside financial institution to obscure what he describes as corrupt practices, favoring political supporters who promote a left-leaning environmental agenda. Comer stated, “The radical environmental groups benefiting from Biden’s Green New Deal must be held accountable for their misuse of taxpayer funds.”
The $20 billion is linked to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), which includes contributions from a $14 billion National Clean Investment Fund and a $6 billion Clean Communities Investment Accelerator. Letters requesting information have been sent to organizations such as Climate United and the Coalition for Green Capital.
In a response, Climate United expressed its commitment to transparency and willingness to cooperate with the inquiry. They noted their aim to help Congress and the American public understand the positive impacts of their initiatives on energy costs and job creation.
One notable recipient of the grants, Power Forward Communities, which received $2 billion, is affiliated with former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. This group aims to replace household appliances in lower-income areas with eco-friendly options. Critics have pointed out that Power Forward Communities reported just $100 in revenue in 2023 but later received substantial funding from the EPA in 2024.
Zeldin has raised concerns about the rapid distribution of funds, citing grant agreement stipulations that seemed illogical, including requiring training in budget development prior to distributing millions. He also flagged potential conflict of interest issues involving significant payments to former officials overseeing the GGRF under Biden.
The acting inspector general of the EPA is currently investigating these grants for potential financial mismanagement and oversight issues. The House Oversight Committee began its investigation earlier this year, and the FBI is also looking into possible criminal actions related to this matter.
