Columbia University Faces Complaint Over Fossil Fuel Funding

On April 10, 2026, student activists from the Sunrise Movement at Columbia University filed an administrative complaint with the New York City consumer protection bureau, alleging that the university's Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) is engaging in deceptive trade practices. The complaint asserts that CGEP misrepresents its financial ties to the fossil fuel industry, which includes major companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, Occidental, and Tellurian. The students argue that CGEP's portrayal as an independent research organization is misleading, particularly as its research informs climate policy at both state and national levels.

Columbia University's Energy Center Accused of Hiding Fossil Fuel Ties, Sunrise Movement Files ComplaintThe Guardian

The complaint highlights that CGEP has accepted millions in funding from fossil fuel companies while presenting its work as neutral. Leel Dias, a third-year student and organizer with the Sunrise chapter, stated, “They’re claiming to be a trusted source of information that policymakers can use, but in reality, they’re laundering the reputation of the fossil fuel industry.” The complaint references internal documents from a 2024 investigation by Senate and House Democrats, which revealed that oil and gas interests view CGEP as an "opinion leader" capable of promoting their narratives.

Columbia University's Energy Center Accused of Hiding Fossil Fuel Ties, Sunrise Movement Files Complaint

The complaint has garnered support from various campus groups, including a student worker union and faculty organizations. Jacqueline Klopp, director of Columbia’s Center for Sustainable Urban Development, praised the students for their efforts to ensure that energy policy research remains free from fossil fuel influence. Steven Donziger, a former attorney known for his environmental activism, also backed the students, asserting that the complaint documents a troubling lack of integrity at CGEP.

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In response to the allegations, a Columbia spokesperson stated that CGEP's funding comes from a diverse array of sources committed to improving energy policy through independent analysis. The spokesperson labeled the accusations as "absurd and unfounded," emphasizing that all funders are disclosed on the center's website. CGEP has maintained that its research is not influenced by its funding sources, despite criticisms suggesting otherwise.

Columbia University's Energy Center Accused of Hiding Fossil Fuel Ties, Sunrise Movement Files Complaint

If the consumer protection bureau finds merit in the students' claims, CGEP may be required to remove assertions of independence and unbiased research from its platforms. The complaint reflects a broader trend of increasing scrutiny over the relationships between academic institutions and the fossil fuel industry. Alex Marquardt, executive director of the Climate Defense Project, noted that the legal basis of the complaint is solid and could lead to greater accountability for universities involved with fossil fuel funding.

Columbia University's Energy Center Accused of Hiding Fossil Fuel Ties, Sunrise Movement Files Complaint

Critics argue that fossil fuel funding skews research outcomes, delaying the transition to renewable energy. A 2024 study indicated that such funding contributes to a bias favoring gas over renewable sources in research outputs. This complaint is seen as part of a larger movement advocating for universities to dissociate from fossil fuel companies, with the Sunrise Movement adapting its strategies to include legal avenues for change.

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• “They’re claiming to be a trusted source of information that policymakers can use,” — Leel Dias, Student Organizer

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• “This complaint is a fabulous example of how students can be effective change agents in society.” — Steven Donziger, Environmental Attorney

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• “Universities need to produce trusted research and guidance for the public, free of fossil fuel interests, and should strive for the highest standards of transparency and ethics.” — Jacqueline Klopp, Director, Center for Sustainable Urban Development

The Guardian

The outcome of this complaint could set a precedent for how academic institutions manage funding from fossil fuel companies and their implications for climate policy research.

The Guardian