A coalition of grassroots environmental groups, known as the Climate Justice Alliance (CJA), may lose $60 million in federal funding due to their stance on the Israel-Hamas war. The CJA was named one of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) grantmakers over a year ago and is responsible for distributing subgrants for locally led environmental projects.
The Background: EPA’s Grantmaking Program
The EPA’s Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program was established to support environmentally vulnerable communities. The program allocated $600 million to be distributed among 11 grantmakers, including universities and nonprofit organizations. These grantmakers were chosen based on their ability to operationalize resources in a way that benefits the most polluted communities.
CJA’s Involvement and Funding
The CJA was selected as one of the 11 grantmakers for regions 8–10, which encompass most of the Western United States. It also received national funding to support outreach efforts with tribal communities. However, despite having already spent $1.6 million from its own operational budget to establish an organizational infrastructure, the CJA has yet to receive any funding.
The Allegations and Investigation
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) questioned former EPA administrator Michael Regan during a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing in July 2023 about the CJA’s designation for $50 million. Mace accused the group of promoting "antisemitic" content on its website, specifically mentioning the inclusion of a ‘free Palestine’ section.
The CJA has denied these allegations, releasing a statement calling for an immediate ceasefire by Israel and Hamas in October 2023. The group emphasizes that it stands firmly on the side of peace and supports the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, decolonization, and life.
Why Has the CJA Been Singled Out?
CJA Executive Director KD Chavez questions why their organization has been singled out for its stance on the war. "At our core CJA has always been anti-war and pro-communities," Chavez said in an interview with The Verge. "We are just collateral damage in a war against regulations."
The Impact on Indigenous Communities
A letter from EPA and DOE staffers urges the agencies to end their collaboration with Israel until there is a permanent ceasefire. The letter also calls for the release of all designated federal funds to Climate Justice Alliance, which they claim are needed for Indigenous communities that have historically been left out of environmental protections.
The Current Status
EPA spokesperson Nick Conger stated in an email to The Verge that the agency continues to review the grant for the CJA. "EPA continues to work through its rigorous process to obligate the funds under the Inflation Reduction Act, including the Thriving Communities Grantmakers program."
While the EPA claims to be on track to award more than 90 percent of the funding by the end of the Biden administration, the CJA’s future remains uncertain.
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