Oil Industry Spends Millions Lobbying in California
Oil Industry Spends Millions Lobbying in California

The Secretary of State’s report on lobbyist spending in the California Capitol reveals the oil industry as the biggest spender for 2017. Big Oil took three of the top four spots for lobbying spending at the Capitol. In fact, oil lobbyists spent a total of $20.9 million in California last year. Moreover, in the first 6 months of 2017, Big Oil spent more money on lobbying than in all of 2016.

Chevron took the No.1 spot, spending $9.79 million on lobbyists. It was followed by Western States Petroleum Assn. at $7.89 million, and Teroso Refining and Marketing Co, LLC, at $3.23 million.

Big Oil Successfully Lobbies for Cap and Trade Legislation

Over the past decade, Big Oil spent more than $150 million lobbying at the California Capitol. Last year, lobbyists successfully worked to get the Legislature to approve AB 398, an extension of the current cap and trade program. The program requires companies to purchase permits to release greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. However, the terms are more favorable to the oil industry than previous legislation has been—hence, the industry’s lobbying efforts to keep the current laws in place. In fact, the bill allots oil companies tax breaks and loopholes that could actually increase emissions.

Many environmental justice and public interest organizations have expressed concerns over AB 398. An alternative to the bill, SB 188, would have blocked new oil drilling off the California coast. Oil industry lobbyists successfully had that bill defeated, but Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, who introduced the bill last year, says she plans to revive it this year.

“Lobbying efforts have successfully pushed their agenda through in California. Unfortunately, their efforts could have negative consequences on the environment,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

Recent Posts
Popular Tags

Walter Clark Legal Group

Walter Clark Legal Group
N/a
Skip to content