US Democratic lawmakers ask Trump about his blockage of federal grants for clean energy
U.S. Democratic legislators Friday sent letters asking two federal agencies to explain why federal funds were frozen on clean energy investments and federal funds that would lower energy costs for American customers. The agencies had violated federal law, the lawmakers said.
Senate Democrats asked the newly confirmed Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin on Friday to explain why his organization froze federal funding that was already obligated for grantees. They claimed that this agency had violated federal law.
Democrats on the Senate Environment Committee asked Zeldin to explain why the agency had "clawed-back" funds already committed, after hearing complaints from constituents that they were unable access funds for solar projects and other ongoing projects.
"Federal Law and Regulations require that funds be made available to grantees without proof of misuse," wrote Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Bernie Sanders. Angela Alsobrooks, too, signed the letter.
Donald Trump, the Republican president of the United States, has made it a priority to unleash U.S. fossil-fuel production. In his first two months in office, Trump's administration caused confusion by halting funding for clean energy as mandated by two laws signed by former president Joe Biden.
In the face of widespread opposition and legal setbacks, the administration also ordered the freezing of federal grants worth hundreds of billions in dollars on Wednesday. However, the proposal was abandoned by the end of the day after public protest.
Senator Patty Murray, and Representative Marcy Captur, sent a letter, stating that the Department of Energy's acting secretary, Ingrid Kolb took steps to stop programs vital to the security and economic prosperity of Americans.
The letter stated that "the Department's actions will contribute immediately to rising energy prices for families and businesses and are a dereliction to the Department's responsibilities to implement duly enacted expenditure laws."
The DOE didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment.
A spokesperson for the EPA said that, despite the White House's reversal on the freeze, the agency has "paused all funding activities related to the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" at this time.
The spokesperson stated that "the agency continues to work diligently in order to implement President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy Executive Order, issued on January 20, in coordination with Office of Management and Budget," adding that they are reviewing the letter of the senators "and will reply through appropriate channels."
The senators requested that the agency send them a written legal justification for denying access to the Solar for All Program, which is worth $7 billion and has 60 grantees who will develop low-income solar program as well as climate-related programs. (Reporting and editing by Timothy Gardner and Valerie Volcovici)
(source: Reuters)
