Mercedes Mullins
The fossil fuel industry has donated millions of dollars to political campaigns and lobbying, with the oil and gas industry alone contributing $24 million to the members of the U.S. House and Senate. Fossil fuel companies have also spent millions on lobbying and campaign donations to lawmakers who have sponsored anti-protest laws, protecting their operations from protests and civil disobedience. The industry's financial influence extends beyond direct donations to candidates, with money flowing into political action committees, state and national party committees, and dark money channels that conceal the source of funds. These contributions have significant implications for climate policy and the future of renewable energy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fossil fuel industry spending on US politics | $219 million |
| Fossil fuel industry spending on the 2024 US presidential election | Over $4 billion |
| Direct donations from individuals to candidates' campaigns | Capped at $3,300 per candidate |
| Individuals' total donations to candidates and political committees | Over $180,000 per election |
| Fossil fuel industry spending on federal campaign donations and lobbying during the latest midterm election cycle | At least $359 million |
| Koch Industries' spending on campaign donations and lobbying in 2017-2018 | $30 million |
| ExxonMobil's spending on strategic messaging with political leaders in 2017-2018 | Over $22 million |
| Mitt Romney's career total of fossil fuel funding | $8.5 million |
| Barack Obama's fossil fuel funding | Over $2 million |
| Hillary Clinton's fossil fuel funding | $1.5 million |
| Fossil fuel industry spending on US lawmakers who sponsored anti-protest bills | Millions |
| Fossil fuel industry donations to the ALP, Liberal and National parties in Australia in FY2022 | $2 million |
| Woodside's donations to Australian political parties in FY2015-22 | $2 million |
| Chevron's donations to the ALP in FY2022 | $45,470 |
| Top 50 House recipients of oil and gas donations | Nearly $28 million |
| Top 10 House recipients of oil and gas donations | $13 million |
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What You'll Learn
- Fossil fuel companies spent millions on lawmakers who passed anti-protest bills
- Fossil fuel industry spent $219 million to elect the new US government
- Fossil fuel companies donated $2 million to Australian political parties
- Fossil fuel industry spent at least $359 million on federal campaigns and lobbying
- Fossil fuel industry money goes to PACs and political party committees
Fossil fuel companies spent millions on lawmakers who passed anti-protest bills
Fossil fuel companies have spent millions of dollars on lobbying and campaign donations to lawmakers who have passed anti-protest bills. According to a report by Greenpeace USA, about 60% of US gas and oil operations are now protected from protests and civil disobedience. This has been made possible by the fossil fuel industry's financial influence on politics, with 25 fossil fuel and energy companies contributing more than $5 million to state anti-protest bill sponsors.
The report reveals that 18 states, including Montana, Ohio, Georgia, Louisiana, West Virginia, and the Dakotas, have enacted sweeping anti-protest laws. These laws increase penalties for trespassing near critical infrastructure, making it more difficult for communities to oppose pipelines and other fossil fuel projects that threaten their land, water, and the global climate. Additionally, four more states have enacted narrower versions of the same law, which could still be used to target peaceful protesters.
The fossil fuel industry's financial influence on politics is not limited to campaign donations. Individuals can also contribute money to political action committees (PACs), state party committees, and national party committees. Corporations can indirectly influence elections through super PACs or trade associations. This outside money is used for organizing, campaigning, and swaying elections.
Furthermore, the Citizens United ruling enables certain political action committees, especially super PACs, to solicit and accept unlimited contributions from various entities, including corporations. This allows for "dark money," where wealthy donors and corporations can anonymously funnel money into political activities without being traced. Dark money is often used for issue campaigns that may not be directly related to an election but help improve the fossil fuel industry's public image.
The influence of the fossil fuel industry on politics has raised concerns about the problem with American campaign financing. Critics argue that these contributions buy real influence and are not always aligned with the interests of constituents. As a result, industries gain legislative advantages and a lack of regulation in return for their financial support. This dynamic highlights the industry's growing concern about US climate policy and its attempts to maintain the status quo.
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Fossil fuel industry spent $219 million to elect the new US government
The fossil fuel industry spent a total of $219 million to elect the new US government. This figure includes campaign contributions to members of the US House and Senate, as well as the President-elect. The oil and gas industry alone contributed about $24 million, with an additional $2 million going to President-elect Donald Trump's campaign. These contributions highlight the financial influence of the fossil fuel industry within US politics.
While individuals are subject to caps on direct donations to candidates, limited to $3,300 per candidate, they can also donate to various committees, such as political action committees (PACs) and party committees. This enables wealthy individuals to contribute significantly more during elections. Corporations also have avenues to influence elections, such as through super PACs or trade associations, despite not being able to donate directly to federal candidates.
The fossil fuel industry's spending on politics extends beyond specific candidates. Outside spending by the industry has risen significantly, reaching over $150 million over four presidential election cycles. Additionally, "dark money," which does not require disclosure of its source, allows wealthy donors and corporations to anonymously fund political activities and influence lawmakers.
The influence of the fossil fuel industry is also evident in state-level politics. Greenpeace USA reports that fossil fuel companies have spent millions on lobbying and campaign donations to state lawmakers who support anti-protest laws. These laws protect oil and gas operations from protests and civil disobedience, making it more challenging for communities to oppose fossil fuel projects that threaten their local environments and contribute to climate change.
The impact of the fossil fuel industry's financial influence extends to policy outcomes. For example, the Lower Energy Costs Act, which aims to expand fossil fuel drilling and exports, received support from House members who were among the top recipients of oil and gas industry donations. This act was opposed by environmental advocates due to its potential negative impact on the fight against climate change.
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Fossil fuel companies donated $2 million to Australian political parties
Leading the way in fossil fuel donations was Mineral Resources, which gave $188,000, followed by INPEX with $157,300, and Santos with $153,660. Fossil fuel lobby groups, such as the Minerals Council of Australia and the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA), also contributed nearly half a million dollars combined. These donations highlight the influence of the fossil fuel industry on Australian politics and the potential impact on climate change policies.
The discrepancy between disclosed donation values by donors and political parties is notable, with a $1 million difference across all fossil fuel company donations to the three major parties in FY2022. Australia's lax political disclosure laws have been criticized, and the true extent of fossil fuel industry influence may be much greater than what is publicly reported.
Woodside, a company with significant expansion plans in Australia and overseas, stands out for its substantial donations to major political parties. Over the period from FY2015 to FY2022, Woodside donated a total of $2 million, nearly twice as much as the runner-up. The company's pursuit of controversial projects, such as the Scarborough gas project, underscores the potential conflict between industry interests and Australia's commitment to reducing emissions.
While the disclosed donations provide some insight, the true extent of fossil fuel industry influence in Australian politics may be obscured by "dark money" donations and inadequate transparency regulations. The Grattan Institute's report on Australia's political disclosure laws and the Senate Inquiry into the 2022 Federal Election highlight the need for improved transparency and accountability in this area.
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Fossil fuel industry spent at least $359 million on federal campaigns and lobbying
The fossil fuel industry has long exerted substantial financial power within the US political system. During the latest midterm election cycle, the industry spent at least $359 million on federal campaign donations and lobbying. This figure represents a significant increase in outside spending from the fossil fuel industry, which has risen from $2 million to over $150 million over the course of just four presidential election cycles.
There are several ways in which money from the fossil fuel industry flows into the political system. Individuals can make direct donations to candidates' campaigns, with the size of these contributions capped at $3,300 per candidate. However, individuals can also donate to political action committees (PACs), state party committees, and national party committees. This allows wealthy individuals to contribute over $180,000 per election, in addition to funding specific candidates.
While corporations cannot legally give money directly to federal candidates, they can still influence elections through super PACs or trade associations. This outside money is used for organizing, campaigning, and swaying elections. The Citizens United ruling further enables certain PACs, particularly super PACs, to solicit and accept unlimited contributions from corporations and individuals.
The fossil fuel industry's financial influence has had tangible impacts on policy and legislation. According to Greenpeace USA, fossil fuel companies have spent millions on lobbying and campaign donations to state lawmakers who sponsored anti-protest laws. These laws have shielded about 60% of US gas and oil operations from protest and civil disobedience, making it more difficult for communities to oppose pipelines and other fossil fuel projects that threaten their land, water, and the global climate.
The impact of the fossil fuel industry's spending is evident in the voting records of lawmakers who have received their donations. For example, Rep. Yvette Herrell (R-N.M.), who received $276,151 from the industry, denied the role of climate change in driving deadly wildfires in her state. Similarly, Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), who received $354,692, frequently promotes fossil fuels and has served on the House Appropriations Committee.
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Fossil fuel industry money goes to PACs and political party committees
Fossil fuel companies have spent millions of dollars on lobbying and campaign donations to lawmakers. According to a report by Greenpeace USA, fossil fuel companies have donated to lawmakers who sponsored anti-protest laws, which protect about 60% of US gas and oil operations from protests and civil disobedience. The report also mentions that 18 states, including Montana, Ohio, Georgia, Louisiana, West Virginia, and the Dakotas, have enacted sweeping anti-protest laws that make it more difficult for communities to oppose fossil fuel projects that threaten their land and water.
The fossil fuel industry exerts substantial financial power within the US political system. During the 2024 presidential election, candidates' campaign committees and outside groups supporting them received over $4 billion in contributions. While individuals can give money directly to candidates' campaigns, with a cap of $3,300 per candidate, they can also donate to political action committees (PACs), state party committees, and national party committees. This allows wealthy individuals to contribute over $180,000 per election, in addition to funding specific candidates.
Corporations cannot donate directly to federal candidates but can influence elections through super PACs or trade associations. The Citizens United ruling allows super PACs to solicit and accept unlimited contributions from individuals and corporations. "Dark money," which does not require source disclosure, allows wealthy donors and corporations to fund political activities without being identified. Fossil fuel companies have utilized dark money to influence lawmakers and spread misinformation, with an estimated $68 million in donations of 'unexplained origin' in 2020-21.
The oil and gas industry donated about $24 million to members of the US House and Senate, with an additional $2 million to President-elect Donald Trump's campaign. The top recipients in the last election cycle received almost $4 million, with the top 10 in 2012 receiving about $3 million. Fossil fuel companies have also contributed financially to Democrats, with Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton receiving over $2 million and $1.5 million, respectively, during their presidential campaigns.
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Frequently asked questions
The fossil fuel industry spent over $4 billion on the 2024 US presidential election campaigns.
The fossil fuel industry spent $219 million on the 2025 US presidential election campaigns.
The top 50 House recipients of oil and gas donations received $28 million in 2022, with $8.3 million in the 2022 election cycle alone.
During the 113th US Congress in 2013 and 2014, the fossil fuel industry spent $42,373,561 on campaign contributions.
Fossil fuel companies spent millions on lobbying and campaign donations to US lawmakers who sponsored anti-protest bills.
