Rep. Jamie Raskin probes oil companies over alleged Trump donation meeting

Rep. Jamie Raskin is demanding details from oil industry leaders about a reported meeting with Donald Trump, where deregulation promises were allegedly exchanged for campaign donations.

Erin Mansfield reports for USA Today.


In short:

  • The inquiry involves letters sent to companies like ExxonMobil after claims Trump offered regulatory rollbacks for $1 billion in campaign support.
  • According to a spokesperson, the American Petroleum Institute engages with various political figures, emphasizing industry topics like energy security.
  • Raskin's letters cite concerns over potential ethical and legal violations stemming from the reported promises of policy changes for donations.

Why this matters:

The investigation suggests a direct link between political contributions and policy making, a situation that raises questions about the influence of money in politics and its impact on sustainable environmental practices. This scenario could set a worrying precedent where environmental protections become secondary to corporate profits.

Groups of penguins atop Antarctic ice floes.

Antarctic winter sea ice falls to third-lowest level on record as scientists warn of ‘now problem’

Coverage levels fall a million square kilometres short of the long-term average, with global heating likely driving losses.

Chinese-made BYD Atto 3 electric car showcased at the Paris Motor Show, France 2022.
Credit: VanderWolf Images/ BigStock Photo ID: 466628233

EV sales double in Australia as one in four new cars now electric

Electric cars have become mainstream in the past decade, making up one in four new car sales.
NEW YORK CITY - SEPTEMBER 3 2015: Republican candidate for president Donald Trump announced he had signed a pledge not to run as an independent candidate should he fail to win the party's nomination in 2016.
Credit: andykatz/BigStock Photo ID: 100778843

Trump says tech execs signed ‘morally binding’ accord to help police AI

The president floated forming a 10-person committee that he said would play a role in overseeing the artificial intelligence industry.

The Grim Reaper silhouetted against apocalyptic background

Mass heat wave deaths in Europe show climate extremes are outpacing adaptation efforts

As preparedness lags, many regions around the world could be overwhelmed by rising temperatures, climate experts warn.
Modern greenhouse with automated overhead watering system

Spain grows Europe's fruit and veggies, but needs more water

Spain's southern coast produces up to 25% of Europe's fruit and vegetables. But amid intensive farming, climate change and illegal wells, the water it takes to grow them is drying up.
Flooded neighborhood. Multiple homes with floodwaters halfway up the first story.

Those who need flood insurance the most often don't have it

As climate change increases the risk of flooding across many parts of the United States, fewer people are buying flood insurance.
Aerial view of a city with lots of rubble

Two years after hurricane Helene hit North Carolina, people are still living in harm’s way

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and the floods in Texas’ Hill Country expose weaknesses in federal and state policies that allow people to live in dangerous areas where homes could be swept away.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

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.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

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

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

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

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

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.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

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

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.