EPA Grants $50 Million to Group Advocating for Palestine as a "Climate Justice Issue"

Overview

The Inflation Reduction Act has once again been put to use, this time benefiting a group that some consider to be radical. The Wall Street Journal has raised concerns about the allocation of taxpayer money to this group through the Biden Administration's extensive climate funding.

Details of the Funding

The Biden Administration has allocated over $1 trillion in climate funding through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Surprisingly, some of these taxpayer funds have been directed towards a left-wing group that believes “climate justice” encompasses a range of issues from liberating Palestine to dismantling capitalism.

This information was uncovered by the office of West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito. The IRA has allocated $3 billion to the Environmental Protection Agency for “environmental justice” grants, including $600 million for a “national grantmaker” program. In December, the EPA granted $50 million to the Climate Justice Alliance, a network of nearly 90 affiliates. The Alliance intends to use the funds to support community-based organizations (CBOs) in addressing past, present, and future environmental health and justice challenges.

The Climate Justice Alliance's Activities

In addition to its environmental work, the Climate Justice Alliance coordinated a “March on Washington” in November, where protesters displayed signs stating “Free Palestine Is a Climate Justice Issue.” Other slogans included “Our Government Funds Palestinian Genocide” and “Only Socialist Revolution Can Stop World War III.”

The Alliance's website also features a collection of anti-Israel art intended for use at Palestine solidarity protest actions. The website also states that “more than $3 trillion will move through federal agencies” from the IRA and Congress’s 2021 infrastructure law, and encourages grassroots organizations to influence the direction of these funds. The fact that such a radical group is seeking these funds is not surprising, but the Administration's decision to award it to them is causing concern.

Green Energy and Inflation

In the realm of green energy, European wind turbine manufacturers have complained that their Chinese competitors are offering products at half the price, which is attractive to authorities facing greenhouse gas reduction targets. Despite this, some prefer to pay double for wind turbines in the pursuit of clean energy.

Furthermore, despite China not selling any cars in the US, President Biden is keen on electric vehicles (EVs) and is willing to increase tariffs on them. This move has been criticized as nonsensical.

Lastly, there are concerns about the potential increase in lumber tariffs, which could lead to more expensive building materials, further exacerbating the current economic situation.

Final Thoughts

These recent developments raise the question of whether the public wants four more years of such inflationary and regulatory practices. While some may support Biden's policies, others argue that they should reconsider, especially given the current struggles to pay bills.

What are your thoughts on these issues? Do you think the funding allocation is justified, or do you share the concerns raised? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss it further. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.