New Report Uncovers Energy Foundation China’s Alleged Links to Chinese Interests and Its Impact on U.S. Energy Policy

New Report Uncovers Energy Foundation China’s Alleged Links to Chinese Interests and Its Impact on U.S. Energy Policy

FIRST ON FOX: A nonprofit organization focused on national security has published a detailed report highlighting the operations of a well-funded organization that claims to support American energy efforts while reportedly advancing Chinese interests. The report suggests that this U.S.-based organization undermines domestic energy initiatives, while promoting green agendas associated with the Chinese Communist Party.

The publication by State Armor outlines the financial activities of Energy Foundation China, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Although it is registered in San Francisco, it predominantly operates from Beijing, raising questions about its influence over American environmental policy.

Unraveling the Background of Energy Foundation China

The document reveals that Energy Foundation China, previously known simply as the Energy Foundation, altered its operations in 2019 when it shifted most of its U.S. activities to a newly created organization called the U.S. Energy Foundation. Since then, the group has used the name Energy Foundation China to distinguish itself from its American counterpart. The organization’s founder, Hal Harvey, has been associated with various left-leaning groups and has extensive ties to China.

State Armor’s investigation reveals that Energy Foundation China has invested millions each year into supporting climate change advocates pushing for a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Notable recipients include organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Institute and Natural Resources Defense Council, the latter being scrutinized in a 2018 Congressional inquiry regarding its foreign funding.

Connections to Key Advocacy Groups

The Rocky Mountain Institute produced influential research that several Democratic lawmakers have cited as justification for measures like phasing out gas stoves, drawing further connections to the policies promoted by President Joe Biden’s Department of Energy.

This year, multiple committees launched an investigation into Energy Foundation China after reports surfaced of its financial contributions to various American organizations. Lawmakers requested information from EFC President Zi Chou, particularly regarding the funds directed toward U.S. climate initiatives.

Influence on U.S. Agricultural Practices

The report indicates that Energy Foundation China orchestrated legislative efforts at the U.S. state level against Bayer, a leading Western fertilizer company. This initiative included pushing lawsuits that could potentially harm Bayer’s operations, thereby fostering reliance on Chinese suppliers for agricultural necessities.

Moreover, Energy Foundation China has purportedly allocated substantial sums to the International Council on Clean Transportation. This organization has emerged as a vocal advocate for clean energy solutions and supported climate policies within the Inflation Reduction Act focused on enhancing electric vehicle infrastructure.

Concerns About National Security

Josh Hodges, a commissioner on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, characterized the activities of Energy Foundation China as emblematic of the Chinese Communist Party’s asymmetric warfare strategy. He asserted that the organization exemplifies how China utilizes philanthropic fronts to influence U.S. energy policies.

According to Hodges, this manipulation diverts the U.S. toward dependency on Chinese supply chains for essential energy needs. He highlighted various areas affected, including solar panels and electric vehicle batteries, asserting that this shift undermines national energy security.

Deepening CCP Influence

A striking statement came from Chinese climate envoy Liu Zhenmin, who suggested that U.S. green energy policies might endure even if skeptical political figures assume power. This assertion suggests that entrenched Chinese interests within America may not easily wane.

In his remarks, Will Hild, Executive Director of Consumers’ Research, expressed concern over Energy Foundation China’s role in eroding U.S. energy autonomy. He described the organization’s activities as a direct threat that utilizes ideology to convert American consumers into dependents of the CCP.

Examining the Leadership and Structure

The report highlights that EFC’s CEO, Zou Ji, has occupied significant positions in China’s National Center for Climate Change Strategy. His extensive affiliations with Chinese institutions raise questions about potential conflicts of interest.

Additionally, board member Hongjun Zhang is noted for his involvement in various Chinese government sectors, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. His extensive experience in government roles adds another layer to the scrutiny surrounding Energy Foundation China.

Responses from Energy Foundation China

In response to the findings, Vance Wagner, the Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at Energy Foundation China, defended the organization as an independent entity dedicated to climate change initiative funding. He asserted that the organization does not direct U.S. energy policies and is compliant with all applicable laws.

Despite the organization’s claims, the report points out a significant sum of over $1 million allocated to the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory for research on enhancing China’s energy sector.

Political Reactions and Future Prospects

Lawmakers like Rep. John Moolenaar, Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and China, articulated serious concerns about the implications of Energy Foundation China’s activities. He emphasized the necessity for Congressional oversight to prevent the CCP from exploiting American nonprofit structures for influence.

The current energy landscape necessitates robust scrutiny of organizations linked to foreign interests, especially those impacting national security and energy independence. Lack of transparency can pose a profound risk to critical infrastructure and public policy.

The Call for Oversight

In closing, State Armor has urged Congress to act decisively against the perceived infiltration of organizations like Energy Foundation China. By calling for urgent oversight measures, the organization emphasizes the geopolitical stakes tied to American energy security. As the global energy landscape shifts, vigilance is vital to safeguarding national interests from external pressures that could jeopardize the U.S.’s energy sovereignty.

Fox News Digital’s Thomas Catenacci and Joe Schoffstall contributed to this report