RIGHT BIAS
These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward conservative causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using an appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information that may damage conservative causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Right Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate the Institute for Energy Research as Right Biased due to its strong advocacy for fossil fuel expansion and deregulation, aligning with free-market conservative energy policies. We rate its reporting as Mixed for factual accuracy, as it does not always align with the consensus of science by selectively presenting data that favors fossil fuels while downplaying or omitting information on climate change and renewable energy viability.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT (6.7)
Factual Reporting: MIXED (5.9)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
The Institute for Energy Research (IER) is a free-market think tank that focuses on energy policy, regulation, and environmental issues. Founded in 1989 by Robert L. Bradley Jr., the organization is based in Washington, D.C. IER promotes deregulation, fossil fuel expansion, and opposition to renewable energy subsidies, advocating for policies that align with market-driven energy solutions.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
IER is a nonprofit organization that does not fully disclose its funding sources. However, past reports indicate financial ties to fossil fuel interests, including donations from ExxonMobil and groups associated with Charles Koch—a key funder of climate-skeptical and free-market advocacy. While the institute claims to support “energy freedom,” its funding sources suggest a strong alignment with the fossil fuel industry.
The organization is also listed as part of the advisory board for Project 2025, a Heritage Foundation initiative to restructure the federal government to align with conservative policies.
Analysis / Bias
IER consistently advocates for fossil fuel expansion and deregulation of the energy sector, often opposing environmental regulations, renewable energy incentives, and climate-related policies. The institute frames policies favoring oil, gas, and coal as beneficial for economic growth while presenting renewable energy mandates as costly and inefficient.
For instance, the article “IER and Mackinac Center Call for Expedited Environmental Impact Statement Process for Line 5 Tunnel Construction” supports fast-tracking fossil fuel infrastructure projects, arguing that environmental reviews hinder energy development. The article does not address environmental concerns, instead portraying regulatory oversight as unnecessary.
Similarly, “The American Energy Blueprint” advocates for a fossil fuel-dominated energy strategy under the banner of energy security, criticizing Biden administration policies that promote renewable energy. The article presents a one-sided case for expanded drilling and reduced climate regulation without engaging with scientific perspectives on climate change impacts.
IER’s Congressional Briefings section (example) reinforces these positions, serving as a lobbying tool that influences policymakers toward pro-fossil fuel legislation. Its reports typically lack neutral, science-based perspectives on climate change and instead promote free-market policies as the only viable solution to energy challenges.
Failed Fact Checks
- “Conventional generators are very thin right now because Texas has gone to so many renewables.” – Mostly False
Overall, we rate the Institute for Energy Research as Right Biased due to its strong advocacy for fossil fuel expansion and deregulation, aligning with free-market conservative energy policies. We rate its reporting as Mixed for factual accuracy, as it does not always align with the consensus of science by selectively presenting data that favors fossil fuels while downplaying or omitting information on climate change and renewable energy viability. (D. Van Zandt 02/26/2025)
Source: https://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/
Last Updated on February 26, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources