GOP Plans 'Collusion' Probe Into Climate Groups
Facts
- House Republicans have reportedly sent oversight letters to multiple climate activist groups in the past year suggesting the NGOs could be participating in foreign influence campaigns and asking for donor information and communications with governments including China and Russia. The "Sea Sea Change Foundation" was reportedly a focus of some of the letters.
- Last week, Kevin McCarthy (R-Calf.) — who is vying to be Speaker of the House of Representatives, vowed in a blog to investigate "Environmental NGOs' collusion with Russia and China to hurt American Energy."
- When asked if he'll subpoena environmental groups, incoming House Natural Resources chair Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) stated that "If I need to, I will." Environmental groups have denied the GOP's accusations.
- The GOP has alleged that since 2006 the charity Sea Change Foundation has diverted Russian-backed funds to NGOs to undermine the US fossil fuel industry.
- It has also been suggested that the allegations against the Sea Change Foundation were promulgated by a so-called "astroturf" think tank run by a GOP lobbyist.
Sources: Axios, Republican Leader, EE, and Washington Post.
Narratives
- Left narrative, as provided by Los Angeles Times. With Republicans gaining a narrow majority in the House, the odds of further positive climate action in Congress are low, as shown by this ill-intentioned stunt. In confronting global warming, greater responsibility now lies with state and local governments — the GOP-led House is clearly unlikely to help.
- Right narrative, as provided by Conservative Tree House. Many climate change goals aim to restrict an individual's autonomy in decisions about food, transportation, and even clothing. Using the veil of climate activism, a scary future may lie ahead of the average American. Isn't it appropriate to investigate who has a stake in undermining America's energy independence?