# Scrutiny of Environmental Law Institute influence > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/scrutiny-of-environmental-law-institute-influence > Updated: 2026-09-16T15:54:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) has come under scrutiny regarding its influence on the American judiciary and its international ties. Initial allegations focused on a research paper claiming the ELI’s Climate Judiciary Project (CJP) conducted a coordinated campaign to influence how judges approach climate litigation. The report suggested that while the CJP presented itself as a neutral educator, it shared donors and advisors with a law firm involved in climate lawsuits against energy companies, allegedly coaching judges to develop ‘action plans’ and influence colleagues. Subsequent scrutiny has expanded to include national security concerns. Members of Congress and national security groups have raised questions regarding ELI’s historical ties to China. Critics allege that the Chinese government may have exerted undue influence through the institute to shape U.S. climate litigation in ways that could impact American energy independence. These concerns, highlighted during a Federalist Society roundtable and a report by State Armor, have prompted an investigation by the House Judiciary Committee. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-16: Environmental Law Institute faces scrutiny over alleged Chinese influence The Environmental Law Institute faces congressional scrutiny over allegations that Chinese influence through the nonprofit could shape U.S. climate litigation and impact energy independence. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/environmental-law-institute-faces-scrutiny-over-alleged-chinese-influence ### 2026-09-13: Environmental Law Institute accused of influencing climate litigation training for judges Research alleges the Environmental Law Institute’s Climate Judiciary Project conducted a campaign to influence US judges on climate litigation through biased educational training. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/environmental-law-institute-accused-of-influencing-climate-litigation-training-for-judges --- Cite as: Scrutiny of Environmental Law Institute influence. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/scrutiny-of-environmental-law-institute-influence