Despite President Biden’s approval of $33.6 billion for climate resilience projects, most of the funding remains unspent, hindering efforts to protect U.S. communities from intensifying climate disasters.
Zack Colman and Jessie Blaeser report for POLITICO.
In short:
- More than 80 federal programs received climate resilience funding, yet only $10.3 billion out of $24.4 billion has been awarded, slowing efforts to safeguard against climate risks.
- Local leaders in high-risk areas, like Ruidoso, NM, report delayed federal assistance for projects meant to manage fires, floods and infrastructure damage.
- A potential second Trump term could disrupt or redirect climate spending, with threats to Biden’s Justice40 initiative, aimed at supporting disadvantaged communities.
Key quote:
“I have a lot of confidence in our departments and agencies that they are going to work diligently and with alacrity over the next several months of this administration to make sure that we’re having the maximum impact from the legislation.”
— Ali Zaidi, White House climate adviser
Why this matters:
Communities nationwide face rising costs and losses due to extreme weather, yet resilience projects that could mitigate these impacts are delayed. With climate-fueled disasters growing in frequency, timely access to federal support is crucial for safeguarding lives and livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable areas.
Related EHN coverage: Michelle Wyman: For infrastructure of the future, focus on resilience