Environmental activism plays an important role in American democracy — but what happens when foreign governments use that cause as a cover to manipulate our economy and energy policy?
The answer: national security risks, economic sabotage, and the quiet erosion of American sovereignty.
At ACommonSenseAmerica.org, we believe in transparency, accountability, and putting America first. That’s why we’re raising the alarm on foreign-funded environmental groups operating unchecked in the United States.
What’s Really Going On?
Over the past few years, there’s been growing evidence that some environmental nonprofits operating in the U.S. are being quietly bankrolled by foreign governments and political entities, including those hostile to American interests.
This isn’t speculation — it’s backed by federal concern:
- In 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency asked the Department of Justice to investigate environmental groups possibly acting under foreign influence — with suspicions involving Russia and China.
- In 2023, Senator Ted Cruz and Rep. James Comer urged DOJ to probe environmental organizations allegedly accepting foreign money without complying with the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
- And in 2024, Rep. Lance Gooden introduced the Think Tank and Nonprofit Foreign Influence Disclosure Act, which would require nonprofits to disclose foreign donations over $50,000.
These efforts aim to close loopholes that allow foreign actors to launder influence through U.S.-based nonprofits — all while pushing anti-energy, anti-American policies.
Why It Matters
The consequences are real — and serious:
- U.S. energy independence is under attack by groups trying to shut down oil, gas, and pipeline projects while foreign adversaries profit from increased global demand.
- Critical infrastructure decisions are being shaped by organizations with unknown foreign ties, not American voters.
- American workers and families pay the price — with higher energy bills, lost jobs, and restricted access to domestic resources.
This isn’t about silencing environmental voices. It’s about knowing who’s behind the message — and what their motives really are.
