Republicans push new bill targeting environmental nonprofits
Republicans in the House, with support from some Democrats, advanced a bill granting the executive branch wide authority to strip nonprofits of tax-exempt status, potentially targeting environmental groups.
Lois Parshley and Freddy Brewster report for The Lever.
In short:
- The House passed the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, giving the Treasury Department discretionary power to revoke nonprofit status based on vague criteria.
- The bill could be used to defund groups advocating for clean energy, with a House report criticizing environmental nonprofits for spreading “radical, left-leaning ideology.”
- Critics warn the law could stifle free speech and target groups opposed to fossil fuel interests under accusations of “subversive activities.”
Key quote:
This is "an authoritarian and undemocratic play by Republicans to go after political enemies.”
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
Why this matters:
If enacted, the law could suppress nonprofits advocating for climate action and marginalized communities, threatening environmental progress and public discourse. The sweeping discretion given to the Treasury risks politicizing nonprofit oversight.
Related: Major financial firms steer millions in hidden funds to climate denial causes
