A grassroots environmental group, the Climate Justice Alliance (CJA), has lost over $50 million in federal funding under the Inflation Reduction Act following conservative backlash for its call for a “free Palestine” and a ceasefire in Gaza. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had designated CJA as one of 11 grantmakers to distribute funds for local environmental projects in regions heavily affected by pollution, particularly in communities of color.
CJA’s executive director, KD Chavez, expressed disappointment, stating the funding would have supported projects benefiting public health and job creation. The cancellation comes as the Trump administration seeks to dismantle climate initiatives, including blocking substantial Biden-era funding aimed at addressing environmental justice. The CJA had already committed $1.6 million from its budget in preparation for the grant program, which now faces an uncertain future. ❌
