Former Pioneer executives increase political donations to Republicans

A report reveals Scott Sheffield, former CEO of Pioneer Natural Resources and his son Bryan, have significantly increased their political contributions primarily to Republican candidates, following a Federal Trade Commission decision barring Scott from ExxonMobil's board.

Martha Pskowski reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

Scott Sheffield – the head of a Texas oil and gas empire– and his family have donated over $6.2 million to political causes since 2010, a Public Citizen’s report found.
The Federal Trade Commission barred Scott Sheffield from joining ExxonMobil's board due to alleged collusion with OPEC.
Bryan Sheffield increased donations to Republicans after the FTC's decision, including $413,000 to support Trump's presidential campaign.

Key quote:

"Oil barons being able to cash out and sell their companies and devote huge amounts of political contributions is a major problem for our democracy."

— Alan Zibel, researcher at Public Citizen and author of the new report.

Why this matters:

The significant financial influence of the Sheffields raises concerns about conflicts of interest and the integrity of political and regulatory processes in Texas. With close ties to Texas regulators, their contributions could impact decisions affecting the state's oil and gas industry.

insideclimatenews.org

Former Pioneer executives increase political donations to Republicans

New EPA reorganization may quietly dismantle chemical health watchdog

Republican divide over green energy tax credits could shake up party megabill

Trump moves to shield oil companies from climate lawsuits as states push back

EPA freezes environmental justice grants as Zeldin defends budget cuts before Congress

Trump administration moves to raise fees for solar and wind projects on federal land

Plastic pollution may be accelerating global warming by disrupting Earth's carbon cycles

Staff shortages at National Weather Service raise safety concerns ahead of hurricane season

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.