Yellowstone National Park has received a record-breaking private gift. Interestingly, it’s from the same organization whose representatives can be seen as responsible for the expansion of AI data centers and the rollback of national park investment.
Tallgrass, an energy giant that is a portfolio company of Blackstone Inc., has launched a $105 million fund for the park. Given the dissonance between this gesture and the political alliances of Blackstone’s leadership, many are questioning the intention behind the action.
Tom Lyon shares with WyoFile that “this falls right into that category of philanthropy designed to win over stakeholders who might be unhappy with you.” In 2024, Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman gave political donations of nearly $40 million to Republican candidates.
Tom adds that Schwarzman is the guy “pouring his personal cash into electing people that will systematically undermine the national parks,” sharing that philanthropic gifts are a common tactic for companies who need to manage a negative track record.