A U.S. Department of Agriculture investigation into its funding for the University of Maine could disrupt research on biofuels, agriculture, and PFAS contamination, following a political dispute between President Donald Trump and Governor Janet Mills.
Leah Douglas reports for Reuters.
In short:
- The USDA launched the review after Trump clashed with Maine’s governor over a federal order on transgender athletes, threatening to cut funding to noncompliant institutions.
- The University of Maine receives more than $100 million in USDA funding, supporting research on animal health, renewable energy, and agriculture, including Maine’s key crops like blueberries and potatoes.
- A $17 million USDA grant also funds research on PFAS contamination in farms, an issue Maine has been at the forefront of studying.
Key quote:
“People have always assumed USDA funding would be the kind of thing that no administration would ever touch, because who wants to make the farmers in your state or in your country angry?”
— U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine)
Why this matters:
The potential loss of USDA funding threatens research into PFAS, or "forever chemicals," which have contaminated farmland and water supplies nationwide. PFAS exposure has been linked to cancer, liver damage, and developmental issues. The University of Maine's research plays a critical role in understanding the chemicals’ effects and how to mitigate their spread. Additionally, cuts to biofuel and agricultural research could have lasting consequences for farmers and efforts to develop more sustainable energy sources.
Read more: Farmers take legal action over removal of climate data from USDA websites
