US oil and gas sector pours big money into GOP politics
The oil and gas industry is significantly increasing its campaign contributions to Republicans like August Pfluger, a Texas Congressman, despite booming under President Biden.
Marcus Baram reports for Capital & Main.
In short:
- August Pfluger, a relatively unknown Republican, is the largest recipient of oil and gas campaign donations in the 2024 election cycle, receiving over $573,000.
- The fossil fuel industry, favoring GOP candidates who support their interests, has contributed over seven times more to Republicans than to Democrats in this cycle.
- While oil production is reaching new heights, the industry continues to criticize Biden’s environmental policies, claiming they're a threat to fossil fuel profitability.
Key quote:
“Despite the fact that oil is doing incredibly well under President Biden, the industry and its allies have continued to press the misleading talking point that Biden is engaged in war on oil and gas."
— Alan Zibel, Public Citizen analyst
Why this matters:
The oil and gas industry's significant financial backing of the GOP highlights the sector's influence on U.S. energy policies, which could affect climate change mitigation and the transition to cleaner energy sources. Read more: Brace yourself for more attention — and attacks — on climate change and the environment.
