Funding freeze hits water programs once backed by Trump, Zeldin

By Miranda Willson | 01/28/2025 04:17 PM EST

EPA programs to improve water quality and support estuaries have previously enjoyed bipartisan support.

Long Island Sound off Fairfield, Connecticut.

Long Island Sound off Fairfield, Connecticut. The Trump administration announced a federal funding pause that affects EPA programs to restore wetlands and estuaries. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

The Trump administration’s decision to freeze a wide array of federal grants and loans is hitting environmental programs that Lee Zeldin — the president’s pick to lead EPA — fought to defend from funding cuts eight years ago.

Grant funding through EPA programs to restore wetlands and estuaries across the country is now on pause, according to a White House memo sent to federal agencies.

EPA’s geographic programs — which aim to improve water quality and habitats in specific, treasured ecosystems — have historically had bipartisan support.

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Zeldin, for example, fought against proposals by the first Trump administration to cut funding for EPA’s Long Island Sound program. He was representing the region as a Republican in Congress at the time.

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