‘A national scandal’: how US climate funding could make water pollution worse

The Inflation Reduction Act was hailed for its climate funding - but some are concerned several provisions will worsen a growing environmental disaster

The $369bn Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was applauded by a chorus of US organizations and activists enthusiastic about the generous funding earmarked for projects designed to mitigate climate change and improve environmental health.

But some researchers and activists are raising concerns that several provisions of the new law will actually worsen a growing environmental disaster in the nation's heartland by increasing the tide of farm-related pollution washing into waterways and groundwater.