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 CaucusWhy 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
Republicans push new bill targeting environmental nonprofits
