During a recent Senate Judiciary hearing, Texas Senator Ted Cruz raised alarms about China’s influence in the American energy sector. He argued that there is a concerted effort, backed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), to undermine U.S. energy independence by promoting reliance on green technologies controlled by China.
Cruz asserted that this campaign is part of a broader strategy orchestrated by what he termed the "radical Left" in the U.S. He claimed that these groups, funded by foreign interests, are working to weaken American energy producers through litigation. He specifically pointed to the Energy Foundation China, which he said has connections to the CCP. According to a report cited by Cruz, this foundation has been funneling money to various climate advocacy groups in the U.S., including the Natural Resources Defense Council, known for its aggressive legal tactics against energy companies.
Cruz emphasized that the lawsuits filed by these groups align with the political goals of Senate Democrats, who he believes are intent on dismantling the American energy industry. He described a "three-pronged strategy" involving foreign funding, mass litigation, and judicial training that he argues is an all-out assault on U.S. energy independence. He stated, “While China drills and digs, we sue and shut down.”
In response, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, the ranking Democrat on the committee, dismissed Cruz’s claims as conspiracy theories. He pointed to the oil industry’s own history of secret funding and argued that the real concern should be the impact of fossil fuels on consumers and the environment. Whitehouse suggested that Energy Foundation China’s focus is primarily on addressing environmental issues within China, rather than funding litigation in the U.S.
The hearing also featured testimony from Scott Walter, president of the Capital Research Center, who expressed skepticism about the motivations of former CCP officials involved with Energy Foundation China. He questioned whether their interests would align with harming their own country.
Cruz’s statements reflect growing concerns among some lawmakers about foreign influence in American policy, particularly regarding energy and climate issues. The debate highlights the ongoing tensions between promoting green energy initiatives and maintaining energy independence in the face of international pressures.