Point Source is a reporting project of the Center for Climate Integrity (CCI) that investigates how fossil fuel disinformation pollutes public discourse, policy decisions, and democratic systems. Our reporting traces undercovered threats to the climate and the public, and points back to their source. Point Source stories also track and explain ongoing efforts to hold fossil fuel and petrochemical companies accountable in the courts and beyond — and how the industry is fighting back.
In a rapidly changing media landscape where reporting is underfunded and many mainstream media outlets run advertisements for Big Oil companies, Point Source is here to help unearth important stories about the fossil fuel industry’s power and influence.
Helmed by Emily Sanders and Rebecca Leber, Point Source regularly partners with reporters, editors, and outlets that we admire. Our partner publications have included DeSmog, HEATED, Grist, The Lever, The Lens, and others. We’re also a partner with the Covering Climate Now journalism collaborative, where other outlets republish our work.
If you’re interested in partnering with Point Source or reprinting our work, please reach out at [email protected]
Who We Are
Emily Sanders
Senior Reporter
Emily Sanders is a veteran climate accountability reporter and writer. Emily launched ExxonKnews in 2019, growing it into what Bill McKibben called a “must follow” for fossil fuel accountability news that has been cited in Congressional hearings and White House committee reports. Her writing has appeared in Atmos, DeSmog, Grist, HEATED, The Lever, The Lens, Jacobin, and other outlets.
Emily’s original reporting has exposed oil industry lobbying to curb pipeline safety regulations, analyzed Exxon’s scheme to market “low-carbon” data centers, uncovered a quiet collaboration between the federal government and the plastics industry, and more. She completed an intensive investigative reporting course at Columbia Journalism School.
Rebecca Leber
Editor
Rebecca Leber is an award-winning editor, writer, and researcher whose impact-driven reporting has prompted congressional investigations and government inquiries. She previously was a staff writer at Vox, Mother Jones, Grist, and The New Republic. Covering Climate Now has recognized Rebecca's reporting as "at once authoritative and accessible" and "often [exposing] surprising cracks in systems and best-laid plans."
In 2026, Rebecca co-published a major investigation into the natural gas industry's efforts to position methane as a climate solution, unearthing new documents that led to coverage by The New York Times and other outlets. She serves on the board of directors of the Society of Environmental Journalists and has appeared on 99% Invisible, Science Friday, BBC, PBS, CNN, and NPR. She has also held journalism fellowships with Vermont Law School, New York University, and the United Nations.
Our Partners
Point Source regularly partners with outside reporters and editors and is always interested in collaborating with publications big and small. Our partnerships have included Atmos, Desmog, HEATED, Grist, The Lever, The Lens, and others. We’re also a partner with the Covering Climate Now journalism collaborative, where other outlets republish our work.
If you’re interested in partnering with us or reprinting our work, please reach out at [email protected].
Our Guidelines
We are dedicated to following ethical standards for transparency and factual accuracy.
Our stories undergo fact checking and legal review, and we commit to correcting any inaccuracies.
The Center for Climate Integrity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports communities in their efforts to hold fossil fuel companies accountable. Point Source reporters don’t engage in any lobbying, political staff at the Center for Climate Integrity have no role in this project, and our funders do not dictate our content or editorial decision making. All editorial decisions are made by the Point Source team, and are not necessarily reflective of the work or positions of the Center for Climate Integrity.