Louisiana Is Not the Only State Fighting the Foreign-Funded Climate Machine

We have written before about the national and international money pouring into environmental groups that target Louisiana’s energy industry. As it turns out, Louisiana is not alone.

Hawaii is now getting a firsthand look at the same well-funded climate influence machine.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green has proposed importing liquefied natural gas as a bridge away from expensive oil while the state develops more renewable energy. The plan involves JERA, a Japanese energy company, and could bring major private investment while lowering electricity costs for families who currently pay some of the highest power bills in America.

Naturally, the climate lobby sprang into action.

Researcher Matthias Fripp became one of the leading critics of the LNG proposal. His analysis was presented to lawmakers, promoted by environmental groups, and used to attack the project’s economic case. What was not clearly disclosed was Fripp’s employer’s extensive relationship with Climate Imperative, a massive environmental foundation that funds groups working to stop new fossil fuel infrastructure.

The money trail gets even more interesting.

In 2024, Climate Imperative gave $29.75 million to Energy Foundation China, its largest grant of the year. Questions have been raised about Energy Foundation China’s relationships with Chinese government institutions and whether American climate advocacy increasingly aligns with Beijing’s strategic interests.

Think about the situation.

A proposed American partnership with a Japanese company could strengthen Hawaii’s energy system and reduce its dependence on oil. Meanwhile, an environmental network sending tens of millions of dollars to a China-focused organization helps build the intellectual and political case against the project.

Sound familiar?

Louisiana has watched national and international environmental organizations finance campaigns against carbon capture, LNG facilities, pipelines, petrochemical projects, and domestic energy production. Local activists provide the faces, but the money and strategy often come from somewhere else.

This is not simply a Louisiana fight. It is a coordinated campaign targeting energy-producing states and strategically important projects across the country.

The question is not whether environmental groups have the right to participate. They do. The question is whether lawmakers, reporters, and the public are being told who finances the research and advocacy shaping major energy decisions.

Louisiana should demand those answers. Hawaii should, too.