Even before #HR9495! WTF! #Biden Makes His Own Attack on #Nonprofit Over #Palestine
#ClimateJusticeAlliance was the only program grantee to speak out on Palestine — and the only one whose funding is delayed.
by Akela Lacy
November 29 2024,
"The Biden administration is withholding federal funding from a climate justice group that supports a ceasefire in Gaza.
"The Climate Justice Alliance, a national coalition of more than 100 community environmental groups, was one of 11 grant-making organizations designated for Environmental Protection Agency funding under President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
"The Climate Justice Alliance is the only group of the 11 grantees that has engaged publicly on issues related to Palestine — and the only one that hasn’t received its funding.
"'If we are not funded, it could set a larger civil society precedent for any future federal funding.'
"Climate Justice Alliance Executive Director KD Chavez said the organization, which was recently attacked by right-wing politicians and media, has been targeted because of its anti-war stance.
"Palestine is hardly a focus of the Climate Justice Alliance’s work, but past statements calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and denouncing apartheid in Palestine have come under a microscope amid a political climate that is increasingly hostile to any form of support for Palestinians.
"'Since our founding, CJA has been really clear in our position opposing war, racism, and colonialism,' said Chavez. 'For us, there is a direct tie to carbon emissions and militarism, and we stand behind our environmental and climate justice work, which is going to mean that we are anti-war at heart.'
"Delaying the grant payment, which was first reported by E&E News, could set a broader precedent to withhold funding from organizations working on social justice issues, Chavez said. House Republicans recently passed a bill known as H.R. 9495 that critics say would green-light devastating political attacks on nonprofits.
"'If we are not funded, it could set a larger civil society precedent for any future federal funding for any ambiguously progressive organization in the future,' Chavez said. 'When we’re connecting the dots, seeing H.R. 9495 gain traction plus the potential of us not being obligated these funds could lead to dangerous precedent setting for civil society more broadly.'
"A spokesperson for the EPA said the agency was still evaluating the Climate Justice Alliance grant. 'EPA continues to work through its rigorous process to obligate the funds under the Inflation Reduction Act, including the Thriving Communities Grantmakers program,' EPA Communications Director Nick Conger said in a statement to The Intercept. 'EPA continues to review the grant for the Climate Justice Alliance.'"
Read more:
https://theintercept.com/2024/11/29/biden-climate-funding-palestine/