Skip to main content
Press Release Published: Mar 31, 2022

Comer, Norman, Davidson Sound Alarm Over Russia’s Attempts to Infiltrate U.S. Environmental Groups

Request an immediate hearing following reports showing NGOs with financial ties to Russia

WASHINGTON — Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.), Subcommittee on the Environment Ranking Member Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Representative Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), and Oversight Committee Republican lawmakers sent a letter to Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) requesting a hearing on the coordinated attempts by Russian entities to buy influence and finance U.S. environmental non-governmental organizations (NGO) in an effort to reduce the energy security of the United States. Following reports of Russia’s influence, the lawmakers are seeking answers about U.S. environmental groups’ financial connections to Russia and are sounding the alarm over their ongoing efforts to halt domestic energy production.

“We write to request that you hold a hearing to examine the coordinated effort by Russian entities to finance domestic environmental non-governmental organizations to reduce the energy security of the United States. Specifically, the Committee should demand answers from these organizations regarding their potential financial connections to Russia and probe their promotion of anti-energy policies that ultimately benefit Russia’s geopolitical interests to the detriment of the United States. Given the current global conflict, it is crucial that the Committee exercise its investigative powers to shine a spotlight on alarming reports of Russia’s attempt to buy influence in U.S. politics through domestic environmental groups,” wrote the lawmakers.

Sales from Russia’s energy sector play an important role in facilitating its militaristic ambitions and deter the international community from opposing Russian aggression. President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that strong U.S. energy production weakens Russia’s global influence and intends to discredit America’s oil and gas operations through the regime’s disinformation campaigns. By utilizing domestic NGOs, Russia has the ability to promote foreign propaganda and maintain European and American dependence on Russian energy.  

“Given the impact that Russia’s control of the European energy market has had in the lead up and prosecution of the war in Ukraine, it is critical that Congress gains a better understanding of the role that Russian financing has had in shaping American environmental policy and sentiment. We respectfully request you use the authority of this Committee to immediately convene a hearing to obtain answers from NGOs on their financial ties to Russia and their willingness to push foreign propaganda that interferes with U.S. energy policies and interests,” concluded the lawmakers.

The letter to Chair Maloney can be found here.