Report Reveals More Than 40 White House Nominees Hold Strong Connections to Oil Industry

Per a recent analysis, dozens of people with experience in the energy field have been positioned within the existing government, comprising over 40 who earlier been employed straight for gas companies.

Context of the Analysis

The analysis analyzed the histories of candidates and appointees positioned in the executive branch and multiple government offices responsible for climate regulation. Those encompass key bodies including the EPA, the interior agency, and the Energy Department.

Wider Administrative Climate

The report surfaces while ongoing actions to dismantle energy policies and clean energy supports. As an example, recent acts have released large areas of government land for drilling and phased out funding for renewable sources.

Amid the flood of negative actions that have transpired on the climate front... it’s vital to remind the public that these are not just actions from the nebulous, ginormous thing that is the administration writ large, stated a analyst participating in the report. They are often individual players with ties to specific moneyed sectors that are carrying out this damaging deregulatory plan.

Significant Discoveries

Researchers identified 111 staff whom they considered as energy sector veterans and alternative energy adversaries. That covers 43 individuals who were previously employed by coal firms. Among them are prominent top leaders like the top energy official, who previously worked as top executive of a hydraulic fracturing firm.

The list also contains lesser-known White House personnel. As an illustration, the office responsible for energy efficiency is managed by a previous fracking executive. Likewise, a senior policy consultant in the executive office has served in senior positions at large energy companies.

Additional Links

An additional 12 appointees possess connections to fossil fuel-funded libertarian research groups. These encompass former staff and associates of groups that have actively resisted renewable energy and promoted the expansion of fossil fuels.

A total of 29 additional staff are ex- corporate managers from manufacturing sectors whose business interests are intimately linked to fossil fuels. Additional individuals have associations with utility companies that sell traditional energy or government leaders who have advocated pro-coal agendas.

Agency Concentration

Researchers discovered that 32 staff at the Department of the Interior individually have connections to extractive industries, rendering it the highest influenced government agency. That includes the secretary of the department, who has repeatedly accepted energy funding and acted as a bridge between energy business contributors and the government.

Campaign Contributions

Energy donors contributed significant funds to the election initiative and inauguration. Since assuming power, the leadership has not only established pro-fossil fuel policies but also crafted tax breaks and exemptions that favor the sector.

Expertise Issues

Besides industry-linked nominees, the researchers found several government leaders who were nominated to powerful positions with minimal or no relevant experience.

Those people may not be connected to oil and gas so explicitly, but their lack of expertise is dangerous, stated one co-author. It is plausible to think they will be easily influenced, or vulnerable targets, for the oil industry’s objectives.

For instance, the appointee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency’s department of chief legal officer has minimal court history, having not ever argued a lawsuit to resolution, nor conducted a testimony, and nor filed a legal request.

During an additional instance, a administration assistant working on energy matters arrived to the position after being employed in roles disconnected to the sector, with no obvious specific energy industry or regulatory background.

Administration Reaction

One representative for the executive branch rejected the report, stating that the administration’s officials are extremely capable to execute on the voters’ mandate to increase domestic fuel output.

Historical and Current Backdrop

This administration oversaw a massive array of anti-environmental measures during its initial term. During its second period, backed with conservative agendas, it has spearheaded a considerably wider and more aggressive rollback on climate regulations and alternative sources.

There’s no shame, stated one researcher. The administration is eager and ready to go out there and promote the fact that they are performing assistance for the oil and gas industry, resource industry, the coal business.