LINCOLN- State Treasurer John Murante currently acts as the national chairman of the State Financial Officers Foundation, a republican-dominated group which has spoken out against climate change action.

Murante stated that his duties as chairman are to ensure that “our tax dollars are not used for a political agenda.”

As a result of the Foundation’s attacks on companies seeking to take climate change action, millions of dollars in investments have been pulled from these corporations. These companies include BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan; corporations that have reduced their investments in coal power and have begun financing more environmentally friendly energy options.

The Foundation, which includes around 12 state treasurers from all over the country, has received a lot of flack in the past few years as a result of their actions. Many have accused the group of being a “tool for oil and gas companies.”

Dawn Rockey, a democrat and former Nebraska State Treasurer, questioned Murante’s actions in the group and wanted to know why the foundation was bringing politics into what should be “solely financial decisions.”

Murante defended his actions by claiming that these companies investing in cleaner energy, especially BlackRock, “are using their resources to advance a left-wing agenda.” He also doubled down on the outwardly non-partisan image of the Foundation, stating that, although the group is run entirely by republicans, any State Treasurer “who believes in limited government and free markets are welcome to join.”

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