A recent congressional report reveals that the California law firm Sher Edling received over $3 million in unreported dark money to advance climate litigation for various Democratic-led cities and states. This investigation highlights the financial backing fueling high-profile lawsuits against the oil industry, emphasizing a significant shift in the ongoing battle over energy policy.
The report, obtained by the Washington Free Beacon, shows that Sher Edling received $2.9 million in 2023 from the Collective Action Fund for Accountability, a dark money group managed by the New Venture Fund. Since these contributions were made in 2023, they do not need to be disclosed until the organization files its annual IRS form later this year.
Additionally, Sher Edling received $235,000 from the Tides Foundation, a notable grantmaking organization that allocated $667 million to progressive causes in its most recent tax filings.
Sher Edling, founded in 2016, has positioned itself as a key player in climate-related litigation, accusing the oil and gas industry of causing global warming and demanding accountability for extreme weather events. Critics of the firm argue that these lawsuits serve as a backdoor strategy to financially cripple oil companies while promoting the push for green energy.
The report also points to a lack of transparency regarding funding sources, as both the New Venture Fund and the Tides Foundation are not required to disclose their donors. This situation raises important questions about the influence of dark money in shaping policies and litigation against critical industries.