Lincoln, Nebraska – Mike Hilgers has joined a multistate coalition calling for a federal investigation into climate advocacy organizations that they say may be improperly influencing U.S. energy policy with foreign funding. The request, signed by 19 state attorneys general, asks the United States Department of Justice to examine whether more than 150 U.S.-based climate activist groups violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
The coalition contends that the organizations received nearly $2 billion from five foreign-based climate foundations and used those funds for political activities aimed at shaping domestic energy policy. Under FARA, any organization or individual working on behalf of a foreign principal must register with the Department of Justice.
Concerns over foreign funding and policy influence
In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Eisenberg, the attorneys general requested a formal investigation, arguing that the funding and advocacy activities may constitute acting as unregistered foreign agents.
“We respectfully submit there is substantial evidence that many of the over 150 U.S.-based organizations that collectively have received nearly $2 billion from five foreign-registered charities are acting as unregistered agents of foreign principals by engaging in coordinated funding and advocacy efforts to influence U.S. energy policy and undermine American energy independence,” the Attorneys General wrote. “Nor does it appear that the nonprofit organizations’ activities would be covered by any of FARA’s exemptions.”
The letter references a 2025 report by Americans for Public Trust that traced foreign funding flows from five international foundations to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations engaged in climate advocacy and policy campaigns.
The foreign organizations cited include Oak Foundation, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, Quadrature Climate Foundation, KR Foundation, and Laudes Foundation.
Allegations tied to foreign influence and energy policy
According to the coalition, at least one of the organizations — the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation — maintains ties to the Chinese Communist Party and has provided more than $553 million to U.S.-based organizations, including The Energy Foundation China. The funds allegedly support litigation, lobbying, and public relations efforts aimed at influencing energy policy and reducing reliance on oil and gas.
Officials say the groups’ activities may be designed to shape national energy decisions while operating without FARA registration.
Attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and West Virginia signed the letter.
Hilgers previously joined a separate coalition of 26 attorneys general in December requesting a federal investigation into China-linked energy activist organizations for potential FARA violations.
Supporters of the request say the investigation is necessary to ensure transparency and protect U.S. policy decisions from undisclosed foreign influence. If the Department of Justice proceeds, the inquiry could examine whether the organizations’ funding structures and advocacy efforts require federal registration and oversight under existing law.
State officials say the effort underscores growing concern among policymakers about foreign funding streams and their potential impact on domestic energy policy and national security.
