Environmental justice organizations linked to the Biden-Harris administration's advisory council have received extensive EPA funding, sparking allegations of conflict of interest according to The Daily Caller.
In January 2021, President Joe Biden established the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC) via executive order, aiming to integrate environmental justice into governmental decision-making.
This council comprises 36 members who advise on a range of policies aimed at addressing environmental disparities.
WHEJAC's formation was a direct response to growing concerns about environmental inequalities disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
Its establishment featured high-level endorsements, including from Vice President Kamala Harris, who emphasized the need for the council's insights and lived experiences during the inaugural meeting in March 2021.
Several environmental justice organizations with ties to WHEJAC members have been awarded significant funding through Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant programs. Collectively, these groups are involved with organizations that have received or are anticipated to receive close to $500 million in total EPA funding, which has put these relationships under the microscope.
Concerns have escalated regarding the potential for conflicts of interest, as members of the council are situated to benefit financially from the recommendations they make.
Notably, WHEJAC's recommendations have included opposition to various conventional energy projects, which aligns with the interests of organizations often seeking alternative energy funding.
Mandy Gunasekara, a voice critical of the council's influence, articulated concerns to the DCNF about members not providing objective advice. Gunasekara suggests that financial ties could influence the objectivity of policy recommendations, leading to decisions that might prioritize organizational benefits over the public good.
This scrutiny intensified with large grant awards such as a $50 million allocation in December 2023 to Texas Southern University’s Bullard Center.
Robert Bullard, a WHEJAC representative, is directly associated with this center. Following these earlier grants, in April, an additional $156 million was directed under the Inflation Reduction Act’s Solar for All program for community solar projects managed by the center.
The role of specific members in leveraging their positions for substantial EPA grants, such as those associated with the $600 million Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program, has become particularly contentious. This program, in which WHEJAC organizations are key partners, showcases the financial stakes at play.
Political ramifications of the WHEJAC's operations and its members' affiliations have also surfaced. Prominent members have openly endorsed Vice President Harris for president, raising questions about the political intertwining with advisory duties.
Criticisms extend to the perceived economic impacts of the council’s environmental policies.
Donna Jackson from the Project 21 Black Leadership Network branded WHEJAC as anti-economic growth, stating it adversely affects low-income minority communities by contributing to inflation and high energy costs.
The discourse surrounding the council also includes debates on its future, with figures like Gunasekara suggesting the elimination of what they view as politically motivated, superfluous offices under a potential future administration, alluding to the previous Trump administration’s approach, which was described by Karoline Leavitt as one promoting environmental stewardship alongside economic growth.