The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has canceled a $20 million flood protection grant for the remote Alaskan village of Kipnuk, which recently experienced severe flooding. The decision follows the EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s public criticism of Environmental Justice and DEI grants, which he has labeled as ‘wasteful.’
According to local officials, the village of Kipnuk had planned to use the grant money to construct protective measures against recurring floods. However, the cancellation has left the community in a precarious situation, as the recent flooding has underscored the urgent need for such infrastructure. The local government is now facing a difficult choice: to allocate existing funds for emergency repairs or risk further damage to the village’s infrastructure.
Zeldin’s comments on DEI and Environmental Justice grants have drawn criticism from environmental advocates and local leaders, who argue that such programs are essential for addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized and low-income communities. The cancellation has raised questions about the agency’s priorities and its commitment to disaster resilience in vulnerable regions. Critics have also pointed out that cutting such grants could undermine efforts to mitigate the effects of climate-related disasters, particularly in areas already struggling with economic and environmental challenges.
Environmental experts warn that the decision may set a precedent for future funding cuts to critical disaster preparedness programs. As climate change intensifies, the need for federal grants to support vulnerable communities has become more pressing. The situation in Kipnuk serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of such policy shifts, especially for communities that rely heavily on these grants to safeguard their livelihoods and safety.