
A recent congressional report reveals that the California law firm Sher Edling has received over $3 million in dark money to push climate litigation against oil companies, drawing attention to the role of undisclosed funding in shaping environmental legal battles. The investigation highlights how these funds are being utilized to target the fossil fuel industry amid rising tensions over climate change.
According to the report, Sher Edling obtained $2.9 million in 2023 from the Collective Action Fund for Accountability, a group linked to the New Venture Fund, which operates under dark money rules and is not obligated to disclose its donors until next year. The firm also received an additional $235,000 from the Tides Foundation, known for its substantial financial support of left-leaning causes.
Founded in 2016, Sher Edling has pursued aggressive lawsuits against the oil and gas sector, claiming that these companies contribute to global warming and extreme weather conditions. Critics argue that such litigation serves as a means to financially destabilize the fossil fuel industry rather than effectively addressing environmental issues.
The congressional investigation highlights the lack of transparency surrounding these funding sources, with Sher Edling reportedly dismissive of lawmakers’ concerns and unwilling to answer key questions. The firm has amassed nearly $14 million from dark money entities since its inception, raising concerns about the implications of undisclosed financial support on environmental policies and regulations.