In a shocking revelation, a preliminary investigation by the House Republican-led Science, Space, and Technology Committee has uncovered disturbing details about the White House's undue influence in a federal climate reporting initiative. This story, initially reported by Fox News Digital, raises serious questions about conflicts of interest and the integrity of the rulemaking process.
Uncovering the Scandal
The internal GOP memo reveals how the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) inappropriately swayed federal acquisition regulations. This intervention allegedly favored environmental activist groups with significant ties to Democrat donors and CEQ staff. According to the committee's findings, the CEQ successfully influenced the Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council to outsource the Biden administration's climate reporting and disclosure initiative to two UK-based groups: the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).
Conflict of Interest and Lack of Transparency
Committee Chairman Frank Lucas expressed grave concerns about the CEQ's influence and potential conflicts of interest. Evidence suggests that CEQ staff advocated for regulations benefiting their friends and former employers. This casts a shadow over the decision to have U.S. contractors disclose their emissions to private foreign entities, which are not accountable to Congress or the American people.
The Root of the Issue
The issue dates back to May 2021, when President Biden ordered the FAR Council to develop regulations for federal contractors to disclose greenhouse gas emissions and set science-based reduction targets. Later, these regulations required disclosures through CDP and target validations by SBTi, effectively outsourcing policy to these foreign nonprofits. This move has been criticized for its lack of balance in decision-making.
Deepening Concerns
Further investigation revealed that Betty Cremmins, director for Sustainable Supply Chains at CEQ and a former CDP director, might have coordinated with CDP to align its messaging with FAR Council priorities. This highlights a deep-rooted conflict of interest.
Questionable Funding and Influence
Adding to the controversy, SBTi is funded by a massive dark money network involved in various progressive causes. This raises questions about the impartiality of these organizations in crafting climate disclosure regulations.
The Committee's Stance
The Committee emphasizes the need to maintain the integrity of the scientific and rulemaking process. Their findings suggest that the selection of CDP and SBTi was not based on merit or accepted science, but rather on arbitrary rulemaking aimed at empowering special interest groups.
A Disturbing Conclusion
The evidence points towards a concerning reality: the regulation was less about greenhouse gas disclosures and more about institutionalizing CDP's influence. The proposed regulation lacks clear goals or methods, suggesting underlying motives beyond environmental concerns.
Awaiting Responses
As of now, the CEQ, CDP, and SBTi have not responded to requests for comment. This silence adds to the unsettling nature of these findings.
In summary, this story sheds light on a deeply troubling instance of potential political interference and conflicts of interest in environmental policymaking. It underscores the necessity for transparency and integrity in government decision-making, especially in areas as critical as climate change and environmental regulation.
