House Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, has initiated an investigation into the State Department’s alleged collaboration with environmental organizations to advocate for the closure of global coal power plants. In a letter sent to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Comer disclosed emails between Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry’s office and groups such as the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The correspondence revealed extensive communication regarding plans to oppose coal power and join the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), a group that the United States joined in December.
Comer expressed concerns that Kerry’s decision to join the PPCA may have been heavily influenced by non-governmental organizations, potentially coordinating with foreign actors. Notably, the NRDC has significant operations and investments in China, aimed at supporting the nation’s decarbonization efforts. Comer also highlighted that coal-fired power plants still account for a significant portion of the United States’ electricity generation.
The Oversight chairman raised questions about confidential information being shared with these environmental groups, possibly compromising U.S. foreign policy, energy policy, and national security. He cited instances where State Department officials sought guidance from the NRDC on the PPCA and connected with other eco groups, such as E3G. The memo authored by NRDC, E3G, Sierra Club, Solutions for Our Climate, and World Resources Institute expressed support for the U.S. joining the PPCA to align with President Biden’s goal of decarbonizing the country’s power grid by 2035.
Comer requested documents and communications related to the State Department’s decision to join the PPCA, with a deadline of January 19. He also sought a staff-level briefing on the matter. The State Department, NRDC, and PPCA have not yet responded to requests for comment.
This investigation is part of Comer’s ongoing scrutiny of Kerry’s office and its involvement in climate negotiations with China. Comer had previously opened a probe into Kerry’s office in February and promised further examination of the China climate talks. Kerry, serving as the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, has been instrumental in promoting global efforts to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. However, his office has faced criticism from Republicans, including Comer, for a lack of transparency regarding its operations and staff.
As the investigation unfolds, it raises questions about the influence of environmental groups on U.S. foreign and energy policy decisions. Critics argue that such coordination may undermine national and energy security. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for the Biden administration’s climate agenda and its collaboration with environmental organizations.
