The Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump has terminated $4.8 million in grants for PFAS contamination research in Maine, including projects led by the Mi’kmaq Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, and University of Maine. The abrupt termination comes despite the EPA’s public claims that addressing PFAS—a class of “forever chemicals” linked to cancer and immune issues—remains a top priority.
On May 13, the Mi’kmaq Nation was notified that its grant was canceled, along with similar notices to the other two teams. The EPA claimed the grants no longer aligned with the administration’s funding priorities, suggesting they were associated with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Critics, including Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), called the claim “absurd” and “offensive.”
Judge Beryl Howell and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) both expressed concerns. The EPA’s internal reorganization has also slashed staffing in its research division, intensifying confusion over the grant terminations.
Despite early successes using hemp to absorb PFAS and developing biosensors, the research is now on hold. The grantees plan to appeal and seek private funding if necessary.
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