Environmental lobbying is a key issue for both policymakers and companies, with over $13 million being spent in 2020 alone. Environmental policy impacts many different sectors, so it is important to take note of what each industry is lobbying for and against. More recently, lobbyists have advocated on behalf of many industries that have been affected by COVID-19, while keeping in mind the company’s best interest.
Industries Taking Part in Environmental Lobbying
Oil and Gas
Oil and gas companies have usually advocated against policies such as regulations on fracking, as they did in 2018 when Prop 112 was put to a vote in Colorado. In that same year, a carbon tax failed to pass in Washington after oil and gas companies, most notably BP, lobbied against such legislation.
Other policies that the oil and gas industry has lobbied against include Senate bill 421, which aimed to put new regulations on oil pipelines. The Measure G Bill, which looked to ban new fracking and conventional oil and gas wells in California, also failed due to extensive lobbying.
On the other hand, major oil companies, including BP and ExxonMobil, have also lobbied in support of reducing emissions by investing in carbon capture with the introduction of the USE IT Act. Both Exxon and Shell have advocated in favor of a carbon tax, which is backed by others in the industry.
Automotive
The automobile industry is another industry that has taken opposite stances when it comes to environmental lobbying. With Fiat Chrysler, Ford, Daimler, BMW, Toyota, and General Motors among the strongest opponents to regulate and reduce emissions.
Additionally, General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler have also opposed the CAFE standards set by Congress, which regulates how far a vehicle should travel on one gallon of gas.
In Europe, there has been constant opposition from the European Automobile Manufacture’s Association (ACEA) and the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) for new CO2 emissions standards in 2021. The ACEA also successfully lobbied against an EU mandate on electric car sales.
Notable Topics
The following are some of the most notable topics lobbied by key groups regarding environmental policies.
Roll Back on U.S. Methane Regulations
American Petroleum Institute – U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Repeal and Replacement of the U.S. Clean Power Plan
American Petroleum Institute – U.S. Chamber of Commerce – American Legislative Exchange Council – National Association of Manufacturers – National Mining Association – American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
U.S. Automotive Emissions RollBack
Auto Alliance – American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
Paris Agreement Withdrawal by the U.S.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce – American Legislative Exchange Council – National Association of Manufacturers – National Mining Association
Accelerated On/Offshore Oil & Gas Development
American Petroleum Institute – U.S. Chamber of Commerce – American Legislative Exchange Council – National Association of Manufacturers – American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
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