Staff Reports
The Biden administration is facing accusations of being influenced by a left-wing organization with potential antitrust law violations, according to records. Ceres, a Boston-based environmental charity, is alleged to be accepting sizable donations from undisclosed sources while claiming to work through "powerful networks and global collaborations" to support federal rules targeting the fossil fuels industry. The nonprofit received a subpoena in June from the House Judiciary Committee over alleged improper collaboration with major corporations, and conservative groups argue that its involvement in shaping climate disclosure proposals represents excessive government intervention in the free market. Critics fear that the ties between Ceres and the government could compromise national security by targeting oil and gas-dependent industries.
Founded in 1989, Ceres manages a network of over 220 institutional investors handling more than $46 trillion in assets to accelerate the transition to a net-zero emissions economy. The organization has faced allegations of financial mismanagement due to its fundraising from undisclosed grantees and substantial funding from the largest Democratic-allied dark money network in the United States. Investors associated with Ceres, including major firms like Bain Capital and BlackRock, are actively advocating for improved climate and sustainability risk disclosure, as well as stronger climate and clean energy policies.
Biden’s sweeping climate agenda quietly shaped by left-wing group subpoenaed by @JudiciaryGOP over antitrust law concerns, according to @dcexaminer investigationhttps://t.co/RqHhkx5Hig
— Gabe Kaminsky (@gekaminsky) January 11, 2024
Ceres has deployed lobbyists to advocate for electric vehicle incentives, emissions reductions, and climate-related amendments in appropriations bills. Its president, Mindy Lubber, has made multiple visits to the White House, raising concerns among conservative groups, such as the Power the Future energy advocacy group, about the administration's leniency toward extreme environmental policies targeting American energy.
The organization's involvement in advancing corporate environmental, social, and governance efforts, viewed by conservatives as a left-wing attempt to reshape the U.S. in a "woke" fashion, has faced scrutiny. Ceres' efforts to influence the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule proposing greenhouse gas emissions disclosure for public companies have raised concerns among free-market advocacy groups. Critics fear that such regulations could restrict companies' abilities to operate effectively. Ceres' influence over the SEC, including indications of advance notice of critical proposal-related details, has drawn criticism regarding the government's access to activists and rent-seeking business interests.
Despite arguments emphasizing the importance of Ceres' actions for creating jobs and promoting clean energy investment, conservative groups continue to express concerns about the organization's influence over policymaking. While the SEC has been praised for its thorough evaluation of the proposal, critics warn of potential disruptions to various aspects of American life due to activist influence on the government. The interaction between Ceres and the Biden administration, along with its impact on proposed climate policies, has ignited controversy and prompted scrutiny from conservative circles, raising concerns about the implications of such influence on regulatory decisions.
