Chinese Communist Party’s Financial Role in U.S. Climate Advocacy
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is reportedly funding left-leaning climate initiatives in the United States, as revealed by several speakers including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Kansas Attorney General Chris Kobach, and dark money expert Scott Walter during a Senate subcommittee hearing on Wednesday.
The hearing, titled “Enter the Dragon – Left-wing Laws on China and the US Energy Control,” aimed to explore how China influences progressive courts and impacts American energy production. Cruz, who chairs the subcommittee, described it as part of a systematic effort against American energy.
“There is a radical left attack, funded by the Chinese Communist Party, to take control of our courts and weaponize lawsuits against U.S. energy producers. This undermines not just the energy sector but also the very foundation of America’s prosperity and national security,” Cruz asserted.
Cruz outlined a three-pronged strategy used by the CCP. First, he noted the influx of funding from CCP-linked entities into U.S. climate advocacy groups that initiate lawsuits against energy producers. Second, he pointed out that activist lawyers are not winning policy debates but are, instead, overwhelming courts with lawsuits aimed at bankrupting energy companies. Lastly, he claimed that the judiciary is being influenced by left-wing nonprofits hosting closed-door trainings for judges.
According to State Armor, an organization monitoring CCP threats, the Energy Foundation China (EFC) operates as a pseudo-nonprofit while being controlled by CCP members who were involved in the Paris Agreement. It allegedly funneled over $12 million into litigation efforts to block energy infrastructure and ban gas-powered vehicles.
Cruz questioned the motives behind the EFC’s funding. “If this is truly about reducing emissions, why doesn’t China use its resources to tackle its own pollution issues?” he argued, emphasizing that China is one of the most polluted countries.
The report also mentioned that the EFC is providing grants to various American universities, including Harvard and UC Berkeley, and supported an event featuring California Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2023 trip to China.
Kobach echoed previous sentiments, referencing President Trump’s stance on environmental laws that affect energy costs and national security. He pointed out that while lawsuits might fail in court, they still impose significant costs on consumers and taxpayers.
Walter, from the Capital Research Center, expressed concern that adversaries like Russia and China benefit when U.S. energy is weakened. He noted that China’s dominance in the green energy sector raises questions about dependency on foreign technology.
Walter also highlighted how funding from certain leftist billionaires contributes significantly to climate initiatives, citing various prominent foundations. He warned that while some lawsuits may have valid claims, their collective effect leads to increased costs for consumers.
Throughout the session, ranking member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) dismissed the claims made by Cruz and others, calling their statements overly speculative. Meanwhile, State Armor’s CEO emphasized the strategic risk of the CCP’s involvement in U.S. energy policy.
“The Energy Foundation China doesn’t function as an independent nonprofit; it serves CCP interests by shifting the American supply chain to Beijing, which threatens national security. Policymakers need to take this seriously,” he concluded.
Jason Isaac, CEO of the American Energy Institute, added that the CCP exploits climate change narratives to undermine U.S. energy security, underscoring the importance of protecting judicial integrity in light of these challenges.
