U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito has expressed concerns over the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) spending on programs established by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). In a letter addressed to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, Capito highlighted issues regarding transparency and accountability in the allocation of funds from two specific sections of the IRA.
Capito stated, “This rush on the part of your staff increases the risk that funding will be improperly awarded and spent without proper transparency, reporting requirements, and other safeguards to hold accountable organizations receiving taxpayer money.”
The focus of her letter is on $30 billion allocated through two sections: the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and the Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grants. These sections authorize new parts of the Clean Air Act.
In her communication, Capito emphasized concerns about potential misuse of IRA funds. She noted that recent comments from an EPA staff member described their current funding efforts as akin to “throwing gold bars off the Titanic.” Capito warned against what she sees as a hurried implementation process aimed at countering future political changes, specifically referencing it as an “insurance policy against Trump winning.”
To address these concerns, Capito requested detailed information about grants made under these sections. She asked for charts listing grant obligations, grantee names, dollar amounts awarded, and total dollars granted. Additionally, she requested digital copies of each signed grant agreement executed under these provisions.
Capito concluded by requesting a prompt response from Administrator Regan.
