House Republicans have intensified their investigation into the left-wing climate group Ceres, demanding internal records and a transcribed interview with a senior director, Andrew Logan.

The GOP is examining whether Ceres violated antitrust laws and promoted “woke” policies through its $68 trillion climate initiative backed by the White House, as the Washington Examiner reports.

House Republicans Seek Records from Ceres

The House Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH), has requested Ceres to turn over internal records and for Andrew Logan to appear for a transcribed interview by July 26. This request follows allegations that Ceres has not fully complied with a subpoena issued in June 2023.

Ceres, a prominent player in the climate advocacy space, is involved in the $68 trillion climate initiative known as Climate Action 100+. This initiative aims to push companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt sustainable practices.

Jordan expressed concerns over potential antitrust law violations due to Ceres’ leading role in the initiative. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability from organizations influencing significant financial and regulatory decisions.

Concerns Over Antitrust Violations and “Woke” Policies

The House Judiciary Committee's investigation focuses on whether Ceres has engaged in activities that may violate antitrust laws. Jordan highlighted that Ceres has allegedly refused to produce documents from its investor portal, a key platform used for communication and information-sharing among its members.

In a letter, Jordan wrote, “Ceres has failed to produce materials from the Ceres investor portal, a communications and information-sharing platform used by Ceres and its members. Such materials are directly responsive to the committee’s subpoena, and despite repeated outreach by the committee and good faith attempts to work with Ceres, Ceres has continually refused to produce documents from its investor portal.”

The Ceres Investor Network, representing over 220 institutional investors with $44 trillion in assets, plays a crucial role in shaping climate policies and corporate practices. The committee's scrutiny extends to the network’s influence and the potential implications of its actions.

SEC Involvement and Legislative Concerns

The investigation also delves into Ceres’ behind-the-scenes efforts to shape a climate disclosure rule by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). According to reports from the Washington Examiner, Ceres has been actively involved in influencing the development of this rule.

In January, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) urged the SEC to withdraw the proposal, citing potential conflicts of interest and legal concerns. These concerns have been echoed by other GOP members who question the transparency and impartiality of the rule-making process.

On Thursday, GOP senators questioned an SEC nominee regarding her support for the now-paused climate disclosure rule. This line of questioning underscores the broader legislative and regulatory implications of the investigation into Ceres and its activities.

Response from Ceres

Ceres has acknowledged receiving letters from the House Judiciary Committee. In response, Sara Sciammacco, a spokeswoman for Ceres, stated, “Ceres will continue to cooperate with the committee.”

Despite this assurance, the committee remains firm in its demands for full compliance with the subpoena. The outcome of this investigation could have significant repercussions for Ceres and the broader climate advocacy community.

Potential Impact on Climate Advocacy

The ongoing investigation raises important questions about the role of advocacy groups in shaping public policy and corporate behavior. As Ceres continues to navigate the scrutiny from House Republicans, the implications of this probe could extend beyond the immediate concerns of antitrust violations and compliance with subpoenas.

The investigation's findings may influence how climate initiatives are structured and governed in the future. It also highlights the need for transparency and accountability among organizations that wield significant influence over financial and regulatory matters.

Conclusion

House Republicans have requested internal records from Ceres and a transcribed interview with a senior director, Andrew Logan, by July 26, following allegations of non-compliance with a June 2023 subpoena.

The GOP's investigation focuses on potential antitrust law violations and the promotion of “woke” policies through Ceres’ $68 trillion climate initiative.

Jim Jordan has emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, particularly regarding Ceres’ investor portal and its influence on SEC climate disclosure rules. Ceres, representing over 220 institutional investors, has committed to cooperating with the committee.

The investigation's outcome could significantly impact climate advocacy and regulatory practices.