Ben Jealous was placed on leave by the Sierra Club amid widespread internal dissent over his leadership, with staff citing failed vision, contentious layoffs...
The $20 Billion Controversy Over E.P.A. Climate Funds, Explained

The Trump administration is attempting to freeze or reclaim $20 billion in climate funds previously allocated by the Biden administration for green banks—institutions that finance clean energy projects in under served communities. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin claims the funds were "parked" at Citibank without proper oversight, though the money was legally committed. The controversy escalated when a top Justice Department prosecutor, Denise Cheung, resigned after refusing to investigate the matter, citing insufficient evidence. Experts argue the funds were appropriately distributed to nonprofit grantees as part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund under the Inflation Reduction Act. If the administration succeeds in blocking the funds, over 200 planned projects, including solar farms and affordable housing initiatives, may be jeopardized. Legal challenges are expected, as delays could hinder long-term climate investment strategies. The move aligns with broader efforts by the administration to curtail federal climate programs.
The UN's International Court of Justice declared climate change a human rights issue, advising that nations must act or risk reparations, influencing global litigation...
The Trump administration has targeted over 4,000 federal grants worth up to $8.2 billion for termination across 600+ U.S. colleges, disproportionately affecting public...
The USDA under the Trump administration has eliminated the term “socially disadvantaged” from its policies, ending race- and gender-based support programs for minority farmers...
President Trump's elimination of federal DEI programs has halted essential USDA funding to East Texas Black farmers, further endangering their livelihoods amid decades...
Residents in the Shiloh Community have fought for years to remedy excessive storm water runoff caused by an elevated highway. Now they’re suing.
Amid devastating Texas floods, FEMA’s delayed response raises concerns as President Trump pushes to dismantle the agency, shifting disaster management costs...
The Supreme Court let stand a $14.25 million penalty against ExxonMobil for over 16,000 Clean Air Act violations at its Baytown plant...
Recent Supreme Court rulings have weakened federal agency powers and funding, enabling the Trump administration to bypass environmental oversight...
Disputes over climate finance and fossil fuel phaseout stalled progress at the Bonn climate summit, threatening preparations for COP30 in Brazil.
Texas A&M researchers determined that climate change raised wholesale electricity prices in Texas by 20% during the summers of 2023 and 2024...
Scientists warn that extreme heat exacerbates air pollution, increasing health risks, especially in marginalized communities, as climate change intensifies...
A federal judge deemed EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's halt of $600M in environmental justice grants illegal, stating it defied Congress’ appropriations...
Health officials in Texas warn that rising temperatures and recent storms have created ideal conditions for mosquito proliferation, increasing the risk of diseases...
The Supreme Court's ruling in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County limits environmental litigation by emphasizing agency discretion under NEPA...