U.S. lawmakers urge investigation into California climate deals with China

U.S. federal legislators have requested a formal investigation into climate agreements made between the State of California and entities linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In a letter addressed to Attorney General Todd Blanche and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Senators Rick Scott, Mike Lee, and Marsha Blackburn, along with Representative Young Kim, raised concerns regarding the legality of these institutionalized engagements.

The lawmakers argued that such agreements between California—including its regulatory agencies and the University of California system—and the People’s Republic of China may violate Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution. This constitutional provision prohibits states from entering into treaties, alliances, or compacts with foreign powers without congressional consent. The group expressed concern that these state-level actions could unlawfully intrude upon the President’s constitutional authority to conduct foreign policy.