Florida AG Subpoenas Environmental Group in Trade Practices Investigation
Attorney General James Uthmeier targets Environmental Law Institute and Climate Judiciary Project under state trade practices law.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a subpoena Thursday to an environmental nonprofit and one of its programs as part of an investigation under the state’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
The subpoena was served to the Environmental Law Institute and its Climate Judiciary Project, requiring the group to disclose its funding sources and communications with Florida officials, according to the attorney general’s office.
Uthmeier launched the investigation targeting environmental groups that may have violated Florida’s ban on deceptive trade practices. The probe is the latest action by the state against environmental organizations operating within Florida’s borders.
Investigation Details
The subpoena specifically targets the Environmental Law Institute’s Climate Judiciary Project, which works with judges and legal professionals on climate-related legal issues. State officials are seeking detailed information about the organization’s funding mechanisms and any correspondence with Florida government entities.
The Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act gives the attorney general authority to investigate businesses and organizations for allegedly misleading consumers or engaging in fraudulent business practices. Uthmeier’s office has indicated the environmental groups may fall under this regulatory framework.
Environmental Group Response
The Environmental Law Institute has not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the subpoena. The organization typically focuses on environmental law education and policy analysis through various programs and initiatives.
The Climate Judiciary Project specifically provides educational resources and training for judges handling climate-related cases in state and federal courts across the country.
Broader Context
This investigation comes as Florida has intensified scrutiny of environmental organizations operating within state boundaries. The attorney general’s office has previously launched similar probes into other environmental groups under various state regulations.
The subpoena is part of a broader pattern of state-level challenges to environmental advocacy organizations across several states. Florida officials have argued that some environmental groups engage in practices that warrant investigation under consumer protection laws.
The Environmental Law Institute must comply with the subpoena’s demands for documents and information as part of the ongoing investigation. The timeline for the organization’s response and the scope of additional investigative steps remain unclear.
