fossil fuel lobbying
Newsletter
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Oil and gas executives engage with Democrats despite tensions at convention
Despite sharp criticism from Democratic leaders, oil and gas industry representatives were active at the Democratic National Convention, aiming to influence discussions on energy policy.
In short:
- Oil and gas leaders attended the Democratic National Convention to ensure their industry remains part of the energy conversation.
- Industry optimism stems from Kamala Harris' softened stance on fracking, indicating the sector's ongoing relevance.
- Environmental activists protested their presence, accusing companies like Exxon of exacerbating climate change.
Key quote:
"We all know they are going to continue the old songs of price collusion and polluting for profits and all those things, but we’re reducing emissions more than anywhere else in the world …we are going to continue to send that message while we’re here."
— Mike Sommers, president of the American Petroleum Institute
Why this matters:
The oil and gas industry is navigating intense scrutiny while attempting to shape future energy policies. The outcome could impact the pace of the U.S. energy transition and the industry's role in it.
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Oil and gas ties in UK Parliament raise concerns
A significant number of newly elected UK MPs have backgrounds in lobbying and consultancy for oil and gas companies, leading to concerns about potential industry influence on policy-making.
In short:
- Twenty-four MPs elected in 2024 previously worked for firms representing fossil fuel clients, including major oil and gas companies and coal power stations.
- Labour and Conservative MPs have backgrounds in communications and lobbying, with some having worked for agencies with ties to BP, Phillips 66 and ExxonMobil.
- Critics argue this may hinder the political transition to renewable energy, given the fossil fuel industry's entrenched influence in politics.
Key quote:
“Part of what stops this transition from occurring is the embedded influence of the fossil fuels industry in politics.”
— Carla Denyer, Green Party co-leader
Why this matters:
The fossil fuel industry's influence over UK MPs could delay crucial policy changes needed to combat climate change. This raises concerns about the UK's ability to transition to renewable energy and meet its environmental goals.
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Oil industry prepares executive orders for Trump's potential return
The U.S. oil sector is creating executive orders for Donald Trump, focusing on natural gas exports and deregulating drilling, anticipating his possible reelection.
In short:
- Energy executives express concern over Trump's potential lack of focus on energy policy if reelected, prompting preemptive action.
- Plans include reversing Biden's green initiatives and increasing federal lands access for oil drilling.
- Industry insiders are crafting detailed drafts to ensure favorable policies are implemented swiftly.
Key quote:
“You’ll see a lot of Biden regulations that have come out in the past six months checked one way or another. It’s going to be like shooting fish in the barrel — there’s just so much to go after.”
— Stephen Brown, director of energy consulting firm RBJ Strategies and a former refining industry lobbyist
Why this matters:
The oil industry's direct involvement in drafting executive orders reveals the sector's anticipation of a political climate more favorable to fossil fuel enterprises, which contrasts starkly with the current regulatory approach that prioritizes environmental safeguards and renewable energy sources.
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Texas SBOE rejects textbooks with climate change info
Texas State Board of Education member Aicha Davis says the state is not being straightforward with Texas students about climate change.
stateimpact.npr.org
Pennsylvania produces a lot of greenhouse gases, but its Republican-led legislature isn’t acting on climate change
Political observers point to a few reasons why Pennsylvania doesn't act more aggressively: Climate change often takes a backseat to other pressing issues, the discussion remains deeply partisan.
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