Friends of the Earth

The organizations charge that exempting the institution from a key federal transparency law is illegal.

"This is a turning point in history," said an attorney who noted that the ruling "may also have major consequences for other big polluters."

"As we look to combat the climate emergency, it is crucial that we invest in solutions that support a just energy future."

"A nuclear bailout is wrong for taxpayers, wrong for ratepayers, and wrong for the climate," said one expert.

"These troubling findings add to the urgency of reining in pesticide use to save biodiversity."

One environmental advocate said that industry-friendly attorney Tommy Beaudreau "has failed to stand up to the fossil fuel industry when it mattered most, and he'll likely fail again if confirmed to this critical position."

"The release of genetically engineered mosquitoes puts Floridians, the environment, and endangered species at risk in the midst of a pandemic."

Campaigners urged the administration to clearly and swiftly commit to ending all public finance for fossil fuels.

"This deal shows that Europe's climate action is all smoke and mirrors," said a Greenpeace E.U. campaigner.

The warning came alongside the release of the World Meteorological Organization's State of the Global Climate in 2020, which said it was one of the three warmest years on record.