The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made a significant decision to unfreeze funding for certain environmental programs, following a federal judge's ruling. This move allows the disbursement of funds from programs under the bipartisan infrastructure law and Inflation Reduction Act that were previously on hold.
Releasing Frozen Funds
According to an internal memo obtained by POLITICO, the EPA's acting chief financial officer, Gregg Treml, confirmed that the agency's financial system will now enable the obligation of financial assistance for programs within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. This includes federal financial assistance in State and Tribal Assistance Grants, Brownfields, and Superfund programs.
Program Focus and Impact
The majority of the funding being unfrozen is directed towards programs in the bipartisan infrastructure law. These programs cover a range of initiatives, including restoring estuaries, improving drinking water quality, remediating brownfield sites, and addressing contaminants like PFAS 'forever chemicals.' The funds also support consumer education efforts related to the Inflation Reduction Act.
However, some funding remains frozen under the Inflation Reduction Act, particularly for energy and climate-related programs. Despite the recent court rulings, certain states are still unable to access funding for vital environmental initiatives, such as EPA's Solar for All and climate pollution reduction grant programs.
Legal Challenges and Resolutions
The spending pause on environmental programs, initially issued by the Trump administration, created widespread chaos. Recent court decisions have overturned this pause, allowing for the continuation of vital environmental funding. EPA's acknowledgment of these legal rulings indicates a commitment to complying with court directives regarding financial assistance.
While some challenges persist in accessing specific funds, the EPA's decision to release frozen funds marks a positive step towards supporting crucial environmental programs. This development underscores the importance of ongoing litigation and court directives in ensuring the continuity of environmental funding.
For more information on the latest updates and developments in environmental funding, stay tuned for future announcements from the EPA.
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