lobbying
Newsletter
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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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Challenges facing US offshore wind expansion
Efforts to advance offshore wind energy in the U.S. are facing hurdles from economic, political, and misinformation challenges.
In short:
- The U.S. offshore wind industry struggles with inflation, supply chain issues, and political opposition, despite the Biden Administration's support.
- Offshore wind could potentially meet 25% of the nation's energy needs by 2050, yet only four wind farms have been completed since the first proposal in the early 2000s.
- Disinformation, such as claims that offshore wind harms marine life, is further stalling progress.
Key quote:
“There is zero evidence for offshore wind activities causing whale deaths.”
— Helen Rose Patterson, senior campaign manager with the National Wildlife Federation
Why this matters:
Support for offshore wind varies widely across the country, influenced by regional interests and lobbying from traditional energy sectors. Some states, particularly along the East Coast, are pushing forward with ambitious plans and incentives. However, others remain hesitant, often citing concerns about the impact on local fishing industries and coastal tourism. The political tug-of-war can stall progress and create an uncertain regulatory environment.
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Meat and dairy industry's lobbying delays EU climate policies
Intense lobbying by the meat and dairy industry has significantly hindered EU climate policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, according to a recent report.
In short:
- The report by InfluenceMap reveals that since 2020, the meat and dairy industry has successfully weakened six major EU climate policies.
- Industry associations and companies like Cargill and Arla have downplayed agriculture's climate impact and emphasized livestock's economic importance.
- The analysis indicates these tactics are similar to those used by the fossil fuel industry to resist climate regulations.
Key quote:
"Following obstructive behaviour from the industry, and the infiltration of industry narratives in the EU Parliament and EU Commission, policies that are fundamental to reducing GHG emissions in line with scientific advice have been significantly weakened or have stalled."
— Venetia Roxburgh, EU program lead at InfluenceMap
Why this matters:
The stalling of climate policies by the meat and dairy industry jeopardizes efforts to meet global temperature targets. Without strict regulations, agricultural emissions in Europe are unlikely to decrease sufficiently to align with scientific recommendations.
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Major business groups plan to defend Biden’s climate law despite past opposition
Washington’s leading business lobby groups, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Petroleum Institute, are prepared to defend parts of President Biden's climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act, if Republicans regain the White House.
In short:
- Despite previously opposing the Inflation Reduction Act, these groups now support its tax breaks for clean energy technologies.
- Business interests, including oil companies, are particularly interested in provisions for hydrogen fuel production and carbon capture.
- The groups' stance could clash with a potential Trump administration's plans to roll back Biden’s climate policies.
Key quote:
“Business is going to defend the Inflation Reduction Act.”
— Christopher Guith, senior vice president at the Chamber’s Global Energy Institute
Why this matters:
The shifting alliances highlight the complex dynamics in U.S. energy policy, where economic interests may drive unexpected support for climate initiatives. This could influence future legislative battles and shape the country’s transition to cleaner energy.
Read additional EHN coverage:
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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.
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.
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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.
Related EHN coverage:
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Activists call for politicians to sever ties with fossil fuel industries
Activists are urging British MPs to disassociate from the fossil fuel sector in a pivotal election year, pushing for cleaner political practices.
In short:
- A new campaign, "Stop Polluting Politics," launched on Westminster Bridge, demands MPs to reject fossil fuel influence and donations.
- The campaign criticizes the UK's Conservative Party for weakening climate commitments and continuing to accept substantial donations from polluters.
- Ajaya Haikerwal, a spokesperson for Climate Resistance, emphasizes the conflict of interest in politicians accepting money from oil and gas lobbyists, impacting policy decisions.
Key quote:
"It’s frankly outrageous that in 2024, oil and gas lobbyists can quite freely cosy up to politicians, hand them fat stacks of cash, and see a favourable change in policy."
— Ajaya Haikerwal, spokesperson for Climate Resistance
Why this matters:
Activists view politicians' associations with fossil fuel companies as contradictory to addressing climate change effectively. Such relationships can lead to policies and decisions that prioritize the interests of these corporations over those of the public and the environment. Activists argue that politicians should represent the needs and concerns of their constituents rather than catering to the profit motives of fossil fuel companies.
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