Ted Cruz Claims Without Evidence That China is Funding U.S. Climate Lawsuits
Senator Ted Cruz, the Texas Republican, has made a new claim that could help the fossil fuel industry in its fight against climate change lawsuits filed by states and localities. According to Cruz, China is funding these lawsuits, but he provided no evidence to support this assertion.
Cruz's statement was met with skepticism from experts and lawmakers who have been following the issue closely. "There is no credible evidence to suggest that China is involved in funding U.S. climate lawsuits," said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a leading advocate for climate action. "This claim is just another attempt by the fossil fuel industry to deflect attention from their own role in causing climate change."
The climate lawsuits in question were filed against energy companies, including ExxonMobil and Chevron, alleging that they had knowingly contributed to climate change and should be held accountable for the resulting damages. The cases have been making their way through state courts, with some judges ruling in favor of the plaintiffs and others dismissing the suits.
In a recent decision, the Supreme Court declined to take up one of these cases, allowing it to proceed in state court. This setback has emboldened Cruz and other industry supporters to launch new attacks on the lawsuits. According to Cruz, China's alleged involvement in funding the lawsuits is a "clear example" of foreign interference in U.S. politics.
However, experts say that Cruz's claim is unfounded and lacks any credible evidence. "There is no reason to believe that China is involved in funding these lawsuits," said David Doniger, climate policy director at the Natural Resources Defense Council. "The real issue here is the fossil fuel industry's attempt to avoid accountability for their role in causing climate change."
The climate lawsuits have been ongoing for several years, with some cases dating back to 2017. According to a report by the Union of Concerned Scientists, more than 20 states and localities have filed similar lawsuits against energy companies.
As the issue continues to unfold, lawmakers and experts are urging caution and calling on Cruz and other industry supporters to provide evidence for their claims. "We need to focus on finding solutions to climate change, not making baseless accusations," said Senator Whitehouse.
This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR News.
