By Valerie Volcovici
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Senate Democrats on Friday asked newly-confirmed Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin to explain why the agency froze federal funds that were already obligated to grantees, saying the agency has violated federal laws.
Democrats on the Senate Environment and Public Works committee asked Zeldin why the agency has “clawed back” funds that were already committed after hearing from their constituents about being unable to access funds for solar energy and other projects already under way.
“Federal law and regulations require that obligated funds be provided to grantees absent proof of misuse of funds,” wrote the senators, including Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Maryland Senator Angela Alsobrooks.
Republican President Donald Trump’s administration has prioritize