The Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT) is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1985 that advocates for free-market solutions to environmental issues. According to its mission statement, CFACT also seeks to protect private property rights, promote economic policies that reduce pollution and protect wildlife, and provide an alternative voice on issues of environment and development.[2]
CFACT is governed by a Board of Directors that includes founding president David Rothbard. Staffers include communications director Marc Morano and policy analyst Paul Driessen, the author of Eco-Imperialism: Green Power, Black Death.[5][6]
Total revenues over the years 2009 through 2011 have averaged around $3 million, as reported on the organization's IRS Form 990[7] and its 2011 annual audited financial statement.[8] In 2010, nearly half of CFACT's funding came from Donors Trust, a nonprofit donor-advised fund.[9] In 2011, CFACT received a $1.2 million grant from Donors Trust, 40% of CFACT's revenue that year.[10]Peabody Energy funded CFACT before its bankruptcy.[11]
Collegians for a Constructive Tomorrow is a student-led branch of CFACT led by National Director Bill Gilles. According to the group’s website, it was created with the aim of “offering college students an opportunity to acquire knowledge, gain experience and get involved in making a difference on important environmental policy matters both on and off campus.”[16] Outreach activities include educational hikes and nature walks, anti-litter and cleanup programs, field trips, lectures from scientists, public policy experts, and free-market advocates, annual Earth Day events, and government meetings at the local, state, national, and international levels.[17] Collegians for a Constructive Tomorrow currently operates in more than 20 colleges and universities across the country including the University of Minnesota, Ohio State University, Vanderbilt University, Colorado State University, Florida State University, George Mason University, and University of Wisconsin.[18]
Climate Hustle documentary
The 2016 documentary film Climate Hustle, co-written and presented by Marc Morano of climate change denier group ClimateDepot, was produced by "CFACT Presents", with the organization's president and executive director, David Rothbard and Craig Rucker, receiving executive producer credits.[19][20] Aired in around 400 theaters across the country on May 2, 2016, the film mocks climate science through a series of interviews with climate change deniers as well as commentary by Morano.
Copenhagen Climate Challenge 2009
During the COP15 conference in Copenhagen, CFACT hosted a rival event in Copenhagen called the Copenhagen Climate Challenge, which was attended by about 50 people.[21] According to Lenore Taylor of The Australian, Professor Ian Plimer, "a star attraction of the two-day event", attracted an audience of 45.[22]
Greenhouse de-regulation
In December 2013 CFACT served as amicus curiae for the Southeastern Legal Foundation in the review of the Utility Air Regulatory Group v. Environmental Protection Agency case. Their main argument presented was: "The EPA's attempt to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources without authority from congress in order to accomplish its preferred policy objectives violates the separation of powers.[23]
The challenges were unanimously rejected by a three-judge panel at the D.C. circuit court, some on the merits and some over issues of standing.[24] The Supreme Court accepted review of the case and heard oral arguments on February 24, 2014.[25] On June 23, 2014, the Court reaffirmed the EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act.[26]