Tag: fossil fuel money

  • #ExxonDems Blocking Climate Action Took Hundreds of Thousands from Exxon Lobbyists

    Following recent shocking revelations by Greenpeace UK’s Unearthed and Channel 4 News which captured current and former ExxonMobil lobbyists on video discussing the company’s role in blocking, delaying, and minimizing climate action in the United States, Oil Change U.S. has performed an in-depth analysis of ExxonMobil lobbyist campaign contributions to several Senate Democrats named in the video as top Exxon targets.

    In short, ExxonMobil has hired lobbyists who have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to key Senate Democrats, and those lobbyists are now working to weaken President Biden’s infrastructure bill and maintain ExxonMobil’s billions in fossil fuel subsidies. 

    Collectively, the six Democratic senators named in the video have received more than $330,000 in campaign contributions from currently registered ExxonMobil lobbyists and their political action committees. Each of the senators has received an average of more than $55,000 in campaign contributions from current ExxonMobil lobbyists; Sen. Jon Tester of Montana has received nearly $100,000 over his campaigns for office. ExxonMobil’s own political action committee (PAC) has contributed $29,000 to the six Democratic Senators.

    The specific Senate Democrats named by current ExxonMobile lobbyist Keith McCoy are Senators Chris Coons of Delaware, Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Mark Kelly of Arizona, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, and Jon Tester of Montana. Direct quotations from McCoy in the Greenpeace UK videos include: 

    – “Joe Manchin, I talk to his office every week.” 

    – “We look for the moderates on [energy] issues. [Senator] Manchin. [Senator] Sinema. [Senator] Tester.”

    – “One of the others who isn’t talked about is Senator Coons from Delaware, who has a very close relationship with President Biden […] our CEO is talking to him next Tuesday.”

    – “[Senator] Hassan, [Senator] Kelly […] I know I have them […] they’re a captive audience.”

    This list shows the campaign contributions and sources through which the six Democratic Senators named in the Greenpeace UK videos have taken hundreds of thousands of dollars: 

    Chris Coons (D-DE) = $68,650 from 7 registered Exxon lobbyists, ExxonMobil PAC, and 4 Exxon lobbying firm PACs

    Maggie Hassan (D-NH) = $26,699 from 5 registered Exxon lobbyists and 3 Exxon lobbying firm PACs

    Mark Kelly (D-AZ) = $2,000 from 2 registered Exxon lobbyists

    Joe Manchin (D-WV) = $64,864 from 7 registered Exxon lobbyists, ExxonMobil PAC, and 3 Exxon lobbying firm PACs

    Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) = $70,800 from 8 registered Exxon lobbyists, ExxonMobil PAC, and 3 Exxon lobbying firm PACs

    Jon Tester (D-MT) = $99,783 from 7 registered Exxon lobbyists, ExxonMobil PAC, and 4 Exxon lobbying firm PACs

    TOTAL = $332,797 from 11 registered Exxon lobbyists, ExxonMobil PAC, and 4 Exxon lobbying firm PACs

    In the videos, current ExxonMobil lobbyist McCoy and former ExxonMobil lobbyist Dan Easley discussed their long history of aiding ExxonMobil’s goals to boost the firm’s profits, escape meaningful regulation, maintain the massive existing U.S. subsidies to fossil fuel production in the upcoming budget reconciliation process, position gas as a “clean energy” and a part of the future energy mix in the United States, and avoid meaningful climate action of any sort, including by expressing support for a carbon tax they knew would never be enacted into law. 

    Easley and McCoy go into significant detail boasting of the ease of their work during the Trump administration, and the huge benefit to Exxon of the massive corporate tax cuts in the Trump and GOP Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Easley openly pondered the damage that could be done to Exxon “in four years” by meaningful climate provisions, implying a strong desire to return to a Trump or GOP presidency in 2024. McCoy also bragged about his work to reduce the size and scope of the current infrastructure framework working its way through Capitol Hill, and Exxon’s goal to strip climate-related provisions from the bill and minimize its impacts. 

    Some current ExxonMobil lobbyists have been especially generous to the Democratic senators they aim to influence — Russ Sullivan has given over $10,000 to these six Senators alone, Amy Tejral has given over $36,000 to this set, and Shannon Finley has given an astonishing total of more than $48,000 to the ‘#ExxonDems’ named in the video. 

    This analysis of publicly available data only examines lobbyists who are currently registered to lobby for ExxonMobil as of 2021; it does not include contributions from the dozens of former ExxonMobil lobbyists who have lobbied these Senators earlier in their careers. Many current ExxonMobil lobbyists confine their political giving to the PAC realm, giving to either ExxonMobil’s PAC or their own lobbying firm’s PAC, which then makes contributions to candidates favored by the firm and its business interests. 

    The primary take-away from this analysis: ExxonMobil has hired lobbyists and lobbying firms who have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to key Senate Democrats, and these same lobbyists are now working to preserve fossil fuel subsidies, weaken Joe Biden’s infrastructure package, and block climate action. Democrats must reject fossil fuel money, end fossil fuel subsidies, and fight hard for people, not for polluters wrecking the planet. 

    Note: Lobbying data was obtained from the U.S. Senate and U.S. House lobbying disclosure databases. Campaign finance data was obtained from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) database. Data was accessed July 7-12, 2021.

  • National Groups Announce Endorsement of State Sen. Antoinette Sedillo López in NM-01

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 25, 2021

    Contact:
    Collin Rees, Oil Change U.S., collin [at] priceofoil.org
    Brett Hartl, Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund,     bretthartl [at] centeractionfund.org
    Sam Bernhardt, Food & Water Action, sbernhardt [at] fwwatch.org
    Alan Minsky, Progressive Democrats of America, alan [at] pdamerica.org
    Zanagee Artis, Zero Hour, zanagee [at] thisiszerohour.org

    National Groups Announce Endorsement of State Sen. Antoinette Sedillo López in NM-01

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, five national environmental and progressive groups representing tens of thousands of New Mexico voters announced their endorsement of State Senator Antoinette Sedillo López for New Mexico’s 1st Congressional district. The groups announcing their endorsement of Sedillo López include the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, Food & Water Action, Oil Change U.S., Progressive Democrats of America, and Zero Hour. 

    Brett Hart, political director at the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, said: 

    “Antoinette shares Deb Haaland’s environmental vision, one that puts people and our environment first. She will be a champion for wildlife, a champion for clean air and water, and a tireless advocate to save our climate from the ravages caused by the fossil fuel industry.” 

    Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director of Food & Water Action, said: 

    “Senator Sedillo López has demonstrated time and again a fierce advocacy for environmental justice issues and a bold willingness to stand up to the fossil fuel industry. She will bring the same tenacity and concern for her constituents in Congress as she has done for her district as a New Mexico state senator. New Mexicans need a fighter on their side who will stand up for what is right, and they’ve found a champion in Antoinette Sedillo López.”

    Collin Rees, Senior Campaigner at Oil Change U.S., said: 

    “We need Antoinette Sedillo López’s visionary leadership in Congress. As a state senator she’s been a tireless advocate for communities impacted by the fossil fuel industry’s greed, rejecting industry money and working for an equitable transition beyond oil and gas. Senator Sedillo López will be a worthy successor to Secretary Deb Haaland, carrying on the mantle of progressive and environmental leadership for New Mexicans.”

    Alan Minsky, Executive Director of Progressive Democrats of America, said: 

    “As she proved in the New Mexico State Senate, Antoinette Sedillo López is an unwavering advocate for the people and the planet. Her policy positions — rooted in years of advocacy work in her community, and grounded by a deep commitment to economic, environmental, and social justice — are a template for the transformative politics we need in the 21st century. Sedillo López will be an excellent successor to Deb Haaland in Congress.”

    Zanagee Artis, Policy Director of Zero Hour, said: 

    “Zero Hour knows that Senator Sedillo López will carry forward a bold vision of nationwide renewable energy and an end to fossil fuel reliance as a member of Congress. Antoinette Sedillo López will be a champion for young people in pushing forward the Green New Deal that New Mexicans and youth across the nation need for a livable future. Young people need her in the halls of the U.S. Congress.”

    ###

    The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund is a national nonprofit organization that advocates for legislation and legislators that will advance a progressive environmental agenda. The Action Fund is the 501(c)(4) affiliate of the Center for Biological Diversity, but these organizations’ names are not interchangeable. This news release is from the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, not the Center for Biological Diversity.

    Food & Water Action mobilizes regular people to build political power to move bold and uncompromised solutions to the most pressing food, water, and climate problems of our time. We work to protect people’s health, communities, and democracy from the growing destructive power of the most powerful economic interests.

    Oil Change U.S. is dedicated to supporting real climate leadership, exposing the true costs of fossil fuels, and building a just, equitable, and renewable energy future in the United States. 

    Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) is a national grassroots organization operating both inside and outside of the Democratic Party advocating for peace, social justice, and policies that seriously address the climate emergency. 

    Zero Hour is a youth-led movement creating entry points, training, and resources for new young activists and organizers (and adults who support our vision) wanting to take concrete action around climate change. Together, we are a movement of unstoppable youth organizing to protect our rights and access to the natural resources and a clean, safe, and healthy environment that will ensure a livable future where we not just survive, but flourish.

  • Dispatch from the 2019 Netroots Nation Conference in Philly

    From July 11-13, over 3,000 progressive activists from across the United States gathered for the Netroots Nation (NN19) conference in Philadelphia, and Oil Change was there for all the action. While our collective movement for justice has many critical issues, the climate crisis stood out throughout the weekend as a crucial part of the progressive dialogue. Here’s a quick Twitter journey through some climate highlights from NN19:

    As you can imagine, people at this year’s conference were fired up about a Green New Deal. The conference kicked off with a panel on “Making the Green New Deal Real,” moderated by Brad Johnson, with award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author Naomi Klein, Sunrise Movement Executive Director Varshini Prakash, New Consensus co-founder and Executive Director Demond Drummer, and well-regarded California politician Kevin de Leon.

    Then, in the afternoon, the Hip Hop Caucus’s podcast, “Think 100%: The Coolest Show on Climate Change,” recorded its latest show live for a gathered crowd at NN19. Hosts Rev. Yearwood and Antonique Smith were joined by special guest Vic J. Barrett. Barrett is one of 21 plaintiffs with Our Children’s Trust who are suing the U.S. federal government to defend the rights of youth and future generations. This whole interview was . 

    On Thursday night, with a rainstorm outside, many of us gathered for a Green New Deal Happy Hour, where notes were compared, plans were made, inspiring speeches were shared, and good food was consumed (there were even eggplant sloppy joes, because yes, that is a thing). 

    As in previous years, Netroots attendees were abuzz about the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge throughout the conference. The pledge has been signed by more than 1,600 politicians from across the country — including 21 of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates. Along with coalition partners, Oil Change brought a pledge board with permanent markers, and got a whole bunch of signers, old and new, to sign their names.

    Friday kicked off with a critical panel, “Racial Justice & Climate Change: Building A Multiracial Environmental Justice Movement.“ Moderated by Data for Progress Director of Green New Deal Strategy Julian Brave NoiseCat, the panel featured Sunrise Movement Executive Director Varshini Prakash, 350.org U.S. Communications Associate Director Thanu Yakupitiyage, and artist, filmmaker, and digital communications strategist Jade Begay. They were joined by Alexa Ross and O. from Philly Thrive, a Philadelphia-based multiracial, cross-class organization working hard for a just transition away from fossil fuels and toward a thriving, inclusive clean energy future in the city.


    Soon after came the panel “Communicating Climate Action at the Intersections: Perspectives in Storytelling and Narrative,” moderated by Thanu Yakupitiyage with 350.org.

    Afterward, conference participants streamed into the hot summer afternoon heat for a truly amazing and inspiring “Lights for Liberty” rally that took over the streets of Philadelphia:

    At dusk, the Real Climate Leadership Happy Hour kicked off, sponsored by Oil Change U.S., 350 Action, and Climate Hawks Vote. On a breezy evening, dozens of conference attendees joined together to socialize, chat about climate organizing, and learn more about the amazing work Philly Thrive is doing in Philadelphia. Their presentation started with a moment for everybody to take a deep breath and reflect on the right to breathe. CLICK HERE to donate to Philly Thrive’s critical, ongoing work for energy and environmental justice in the city of Philadelphia.

    On Saturday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, joined the Netroots Climate Caucus for a few minutes to give a short speech and take a few questions. He talked about his climate plans, the need for real climate leadership, and his continued call for a DNC-sanctioned climate debate. In addition, he discussed his opposition to the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline in Michigan, to cheers from the group. His latest statement on the matter was a call to action for other 2020 contenders: “I hope that every fellow Democratic candidate for President joins me in opposing this dangerous pipeline.” Plenary sessions with candidates also included mention of the climate crisis and the need for bold action. 

    On Saturday afternoon, the “We Paved the Road: A Frontline Perspective on the Green New Deal Moment” panel moderated by Climate Justice Alliance’s Anthony Rogers-Wright, with Sierra Club Pennsylvania’s Coordinator of Philadelphia Climate Works Zakia Elliott, UPROSE (Brooklyn’s oldest Latino community-based organization) Executive Director Elizabeth Yeampierre, and Movement Strategy Innovation Center fellow Anthony Giancatarino. Learn more from Climate Justice Alliance (CJA) about how to center frontline communities in the Just Transition.

    Later Saturday, the Oil Change U.S. team joined dozens of fellow climate activists to disrupt a Democratic National Committee (DNC) panel at the conference and make our voices heard, yet again, to the DNC in our demand for a full DNC-sanctioned climate debate! We packed the room, started a chant, and then several people directly impacted by the climate crisis told their heartfelt stories. 

    The whole thing was live-streamed, and after we left the room, the chant continued in the halls. It looked like this: 

    Due to our collective ongoing efforts, the call for a climate debate has been gaining serious momentum. Under intense pressure from the grassroots, twenty-one 2020 presidential candidates, and even their own membership, the executive committee of the DNC recently voted to reevaluate the #ClimateDebate issue. 

    The proposal will now be reviewed by the DNC’s resolutions committee before going up for a full DNC vote in late August. That means we have just one month to put the pressure on DNC members to make the right decision. Help us keep the pressure on: Tell members of the DNC to fully support a Climate Debate!

    All in all, the Netroots Nation conference made clear that the climate crisis continues to be a top concern, and there is passion and energy around raising our voices, demanding real climate leadership from decision makers, and demanding solutions that meet the scale of this crisis. The historic success of the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge shows just how powerful our efforts have been, and how far we’ve come. But there’s a lot more work to do. 

    We know that standing up to the out-of-control fossil fuel industry is essential if we are going to get ourselves out of this crisis, and the fossil fuel industry is starting to really feel the heat. Want proof? The secretary general of OPEC, Mohammed Barkindo, said that climate activists are “perhaps the greatest threat to our industry going forward.” That was an undeniably true statement, which received a celebratory thank you from Greta Thurnberg and from activists across the world. We’re certainly doing something right…


    Next year, the annual Netroots Nation conference will be in the midst of a heated general election season for 2020, and we can expect more fireworks, more victories, and a whole lot more talk about real climate leadership. We’ll be ready for it.

    PAID FOR BY OIL CHANGE U.S., WWW.OILCHANGEUSA.ORG, NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE, CANDIDATE’S AUTHORIZED POLITICAL COMMITTEE, OR CANDIDATE’S AGENTS.

  • Opponents of Green New Deal in Senate Propped up by Fossil Cash

    On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) followed through on his promise to bring Sen. Ed Markey’s resolution on a Green New Deal to the Senate floor, in a blatant attempt to undermine the resolution’s momentum and divide Democrats on the ambitious piece of climate legislation. In response, the Democratic caucus remained mostly unified in voting “present” on the measure (a procedural move to show their objection to the cynical vote), while Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Doug Jones (D-AL), and Angus King (I-ME) joined fossil fuel puppet Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and all 53 Republicans in voting against the Green New Deal.

    The vote does not come as a surprise, as Republicans have openly mocked the Green New Deal and used scare tactics to influence public opinion, claiming the plan would ban hamburgers and citing a $93 trillion cost estimate that is not based in reality and was recently traced back to a Koch-backed think tank. Outside of climate denial fantasy-land, 13 Democratic senators and six 2020 Presidential contenders have endorsed the Green New Deal, including Sens. Kamala Harris (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

    Increasingly, politicians are recognizing that real climate leadership means taking bold action to transform our economy and society while transitioning away from fossil fuel production and ensuring vulnerable communities are supported. While it is disappointing that Senate Democrats did not publicly take a stance on the Green New Deal resolution, it is important to highlight the overwhelming amount of fossil fuel money that influenced those senators who voted against the measure.

    The Fossil Fuel Money Breakdown:¹

    – Combined fossil fuel contributions to “no” votes against Green New Deal resolution: over $55,000,000
    – Average lifetime fossil fuel contributions per “no” vote against Green New Deal resolution: $967,305
    – Average lifetime fossil fuel contributions per “present” vote on Green New Deal resolution: $113,976

    Fossil fuel interests have given over 11 times as much dirty money to senators voting against the Green New Deal resolution than to those who voted “present” to block McConnell’s cynical ploy. The vote underscores the power and influence that the oil, gas, and coal industry wields over our elected officials, and the importance of getting the corrupting influence of fossil fuel money out of our political system. A previous Oil Change U.S. analysis found that senators not co-sponsoring Sen. Markey’s Green New Deal resolution received more than seven times as much fossil fuel money as the co-sponsors.

    Many senators up for election in 2020 have been vocal opponents of the Green New Deal, while at the same time collectively accepting over $3 million from the oil, gas, and coal industries:

    –  Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ): $501,264 from the oil, gas, and coal industries
    – Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO): $1,343,649 from the oil, gas, and coal industries
    – Sen. David Perdue (R-GA): $240,650 from the oil, gas, and coal industries
    – Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA): $213,900 from the oil, gas, and coal industries
    – Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME): $325,084 from the oil, gas, and coal industries
    – Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC): $377,850 from the oil, gas, and coal industries

    With this week’s industry-sponsored political theater out of the way, it’s time for Democrats to get serious about truly leading on climate in a way that winds down fossil fuel production to protect communities and the climate. Democrats must go beyond vocalizing vague support for ambitious climate action on the campaign trail, stand up to the fossil fuel industry, and support the bold action required to prevent climate catastrophe. The science is clear – we need a courageous Green New Deal that ends handouts to Big Oil, Gas, and Coal and prioritizes a managed decline of fossil fuel production.

    Want to get involved in the ongoing fight to get fossil fuel money out of our politics? Here’s what’s next:

    Tell Green New Deal co-sponsors to take the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
    Tell 2020 Presidential contenders to take the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.

    [1] “Oil, Gas, & Coal Contributions,” Center for Responsible Politics, 02-01-19

  • Opponents of Green New Deal in Senate Propped up by Fossil Cash

    On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) followed through on his promise to bring Sen. Ed Markey’s resolution on a Green New Deal to the Senate floor, in a blatant attempt to undermine the resolution’s momentum and divide Democrats on the ambitious piece of climate legislation. In response, the Democratic caucus remained mostly unified in voting “present” on the measure (a procedural move to show their objection to the cynical vote), while Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Doug Jones (D-AL), and Angus King (I-ME) joined fossil fuel puppet Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and all 53 Republicans in voting against the Green New Deal.

    The vote does not come as a surprise, as Republicans have openly mocked the Green New Deal and used scare tactics to influence public opinion, claiming the plan would ban hamburgers and citing a $93 trillion cost estimate that is not based in reality and was recently traced back to a Koch-backed think tank. Outside of climate denial fantasy-land, 13 Democratic senators and six 2020 Presidential contenders have endorsed the Green New Deal, including Sens. Kamala Harris (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

    Increasingly, politicians are recognizing that real climate leadership means taking bold action to transform our economy and society while transitioning away from fossil fuel production and ensuring vulnerable communities are supported. While it is disappointing that Senate Democrats did not publicly take a stance on the Green New Deal resolution, it is important to highlight the overwhelming amount of fossil fuel money that influenced those senators who voted against the measure.

    The Fossil Fuel Money Breakdown:¹

    – Combined fossil fuel contributions to “no” votes against Green New Deal resolution: over $55,000,000
    – Average lifetime fossil fuel contributions per “no” vote against Green New Deal resolution: $967,305
    – Average lifetime fossil fuel contributions per “present” vote on Green New Deal resolution: $113,976

    Fossil fuel interests have given over 11 times as much dirty money to senators voting against the Green New Deal resolution than to those who voted “present” to block McConnell’s cynical ploy. The vote underscores the power and influence that the oil, gas, and coal industry wields over our elected officials, and the importance of getting the corrupting influence of fossil fuel money out of our political system. A previous Oil Change U.S. analysis found that senators not co-sponsoring Sen. Markey’s Green New Deal resolution received more than seven times as much fossil fuel money as the co-sponsors.

    Many senators up for election in 2020 have been vocal opponents of the Green New Deal, while at the same time collectively accepting over $3 million from the oil, gas, and coal industries:

    –  Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ): $501,264 from the oil, gas, and coal industries
    – Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO): $1,343,649 from the oil, gas, and coal industries
    – Sen. David Perdue (R-GA): $240,650 from the oil, gas, and coal industries
    – Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA): $213,900 from the oil, gas, and coal industries
    – Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME): $325,084 from the oil, gas, and coal industries
    – Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC): $377,850 from the oil, gas, and coal industries

    With this week’s industry-sponsored political theater out of the way, it’s time for Democrats to get serious about truly leading on climate in a way that winds down fossil fuel production to protect communities and the climate. Democrats must go beyond vocalizing vague support for ambitious climate action on the campaign trail, stand up to the fossil fuel industry, and support the bold action required to prevent climate catastrophe. The science is clear – we need a courageous Green New Deal that ends handouts to Big Oil, Gas, and Coal and prioritizes a managed decline of fossil fuel production.

    Want to get involved in the ongoing fight to get fossil fuel money out of our politics? Here’s what’s next:

    Tell Green New Deal co-sponsors to take the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
    Tell 2020 Presidential contenders to take the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.

     

    [1] “Oil, Gas, & Coal Contributions,” Center for Responsible Politics, 02-01-19

  • Senators Not Backing Green New Deal Received On Average 7 Times As Much Fossil Fuel Money

    In response to Mitch McConnell calling for a vote on Sen. Ed Markey’s (D-MA) Green New Deal resolution, Oil Change U.S. conducted a dirty energy money analysis between fossil fuel donations to Congress and those co-sponsoring Sen. Markey’s Green New Deal resolution. Alex Kaufman at the HuffingtonPost reported on the findings in a front-page story, highlighting that “Senators Not Backing Green New Deal Received On Average 7 Times As Much Fossil Fuel Cash.”

    As outlined in the HuffingtonPost piece, the 88 senators who have declined to endorse the resolution have accepted nearly $59 million from the fossil fuel industry, as opposed to just over $1 million going to the 12 current cosponsors of the resolution. On average, that amounts to about $670,000 per nonbacker, or more than 7 times the dirty energy money taken by those declining to support the resolution than the average of those cosponsoring the Green New Deal.

    Our analysis, using data from the Center for Responsible Politics, included publicly available filings dating as far back as 1989 for current members in Congress, and included donations from both corporate political action committees and individuals who gave $200 or more.

    The key numbers breakdown:

    • Combined fossil fuel contributions to Senators not cosponsoring the Green New Deal: nearly $59,000,000
    • Average lifetime dirty energy money per Senator not cosponsoring the Green New Deal: $669,930
    • Average lifetime dirty energy money per Senator cosponsoring the Green New Deal: $90,295

    As David Turnbull of Oil Change U.S. told HuffingtonPost, “The Green New Deal shows the level of ambition that climate and energy policy could have if Big Oil, Gas, and Coal’s grip on Washington were weakened. The cosponsors of the Green New Deal have by and large bucked the influence of the out-of-control fossil fuel industry, and that shows in their willingness to stand up for bold climate solutions like what we see in the Green New Deal resolutions.”

    This confirms the gripping influence that the industry has on Washington’s politics, and reveals the importance of getting fossil fuel money out of our political system. While the dubious forces working against a Green New Deal seek to drown our voices with dirty money, we must encourage our elected representatives to reject this toxic influence and sign the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge, prioritizing the health of our families, climate, and democracy over fossil fuel industry profits. Thus far, 5 co-sponsors of Sen. Markey’s resolution have signed the pledge, with over 40 members Congress and 1,300 candidates nationwide backing the pledge.

     

    Read more about our analysis featured in the Huffington Post:
    “Senators Not Backing Green New Deal Received On Average 7 Times As Much Fossil Fuel Cash,” Huffington Post, 02-21-2019

  • Release: Coalition of progressive groups call on Democrats in new Congress to reject fossil fuel money, push bold and aggressive climate policies

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    November 27, 2018

    CONTACT:
    David Turnbull, Oil Change USA, david [at] priceofoil.org
    Erin Jensen, Friends of the Earth U.S., ejensen [at] foe.org
    Stephen O’Hanlon, Sunrise Movement, stephen [at] sunrisemovement.org
    Thanu Yakupitiyage, 350.org, thanu [at] 350.org

    Coalition of progressive groups call on Democrats in new Congress to reject fossil fuel money, push bold and aggressive climate policies

    WASHINGTON — As Democrats vie for leadership positions in the new Congress, 47 progressive groups released a letter today demanding that candidates for House leadership posts pledge to reject fossil fuel money. The letter calls for a Green New Deal that will move America to a 100 percent renewable energy society, center communities on the frontlines of climate impacts, and invest in renewable energy while embarking on a managed decline of fossil fuel production and ending subsidies to the fossil fuel industry. In order to effectively lead on a Green New Deal and make a just transition away from fossil fuels, the letter calls for prospective leaders of the new House to declare themselves fossil fuel money-free.

    “Climate change is the greatest threat we’re facing,” said Lukas Ross, Senior Policy Analyst with Friends of the Earth. “We cannot tackle this crisis if our politicians are still accepting money from the corporate polluters who are intent on destroying communities and our environment for a profit. It is time for all Democrats to sign the no fossil fuel money pledge, and fully commit themselves to a 100% renewable energy future that protects all people and the planet.”

    “With over 1000 politicians rejecting fossil fuel money, real climate leadership definitively means no fossil fuel ties,” said May Boeve, Executive Director of 350.org. “For any shot at averting further climate catastrophe, all elected officials must say no to fossil fuels and fight for a Green New Deal that puts people and planet first. It’s not enough to acknowledge the reality of climate change – we need  officials who walk the talk and support equitable solutions to this global crisis.”

    “To preserve human civilization as we know it, top UN scientists say we need to transform our economy and society in the next 12 years,” said Varshini Prakash, Sunrise Movement Co-Founder and Communications Director. “Yet, politicians of both parties are putting the bottom-lines of their campaign donors above my generation’s future. Young people need bold leaders who will reject fossil fuel money and back a Green New Deal – and we’re ready to challenge politicians of both parties who refuse to stand with us.”

    “Our climate crisis requires leaders who are willing to stand up to an industry that has spent decades and millions of dollars lying to the public, distorting our democracy, and delaying climate action,” said David Turnbull, Strategic Communications Director at Oil Change USA. “We have no more time for delay or half-measures, or for politicians who are in the pocket of an out-of-control industry. We need true leaders who will stand up for our communities, ramp down our fossil fuel production, and fight for real climate solutions.”

    Read the full letter here.

    ###

    Friends of the Earth fights to create a more healthy and just world. Our current campaigns focus on promoting clean energy and solutions to climate change, ensuring the food we eat and products we use are safe and sustainable, and protecting marine ecosystems and the people who live and work near them.

    Oil Change USA is dedicated to supporting real climate leadership, exposing the true costs of fossil fuels, and building a just, equitable, and renewable energy future in the United States. More at oilchangeusa.org.

    Sunrise is a movement to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process. We are building an army of young people to make climate change an urgent political priority, end the corrupting influence of fossil fuel executives on our politics, and elect leaders who will stand up for the health and well-being of all people. Learn more at: sunrisemovement.org

    350.org uses online campaigns, grassroots organizing, and mass public actions to oppose new coal, oil and gas projects, take money out of the companies that are heating up the planet, and build 100% clean energy solutions that work for all. 350’s network extends to 188 countries.

  • Release: Nearly a third of Democrats who flipped U.S. House seats refuse fossil fuel industry money

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    November 7, 2018

    CONTACT:
    Stephen Kretzmann, steve [at] priceofoil.org
    Collin Rees, collin [at] priceofoil.org

    Nearly a third of Democrats who flipped U.S. House seats refuse Fossil Fuel industry money

    New brand of climate leadership emerges

    WASHINGTON, DC — Following yesterday’s U.S. midterm elections, which saw a historic surge of Democratic women lead the Democratic Party to take back the U.S. House of Representatives and win races at all levels, Stephen Kretzmann, Executive Director of Oil Change United States, had the following statement:

    “Despite the fossil fuel industry-sponsored carpet-bombing of advertising against clean energy and climate around the country, several bright spots survived. A new kind of climate leadership is emerging around the country – one that understands the need to stand up to the oil and gas industry.

    “This blue wave had a deep green tint. In a sign of things to come, nearly a third of the Democrats who flipped U.S. House seats have signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. Of the anticipated 33 new Democratic seats taken over from the Republicans, 11 have signed the Pledge, which commits them to not take contributions from the oil, gas, and coal industry and instead prioritize the health of our families, climate, and democracy over fossil fuel industry profits.

    “In New Mexico, voters elected Stephanie Garcia Richard to Public Lands Commissioner, to oversee methane regulations and administer public lands. She is committed to stopping the expansion of fracking and drilling for oil and gas in the Permian Basin, which is the largest new potential carbon bomb in the world today. Chevron, the top leaseholder in the Permian, spent millions to defeat her, but lost.

    “New Mexican voters also elected Deb Haaland to Congress. Haaland has pledged to vote against all new fossil fuel infrastructure, in line with climate science and the Paris climate goals. She is a strong advocate for Indigenous rights and climate justice.

    “In Minnesota, Ilhan Omar ran a proudly fossil-free campaign for Congress and won, speaking frequently about a just transition to build a clean energy economy with good-paying, union jobs, and vocally opposing the Line 3 tar sands pipeline.

    “Preliminary analysis of campaign finance data from the Center for Responsive Politics indicates that fossil fuel industry money was less than ¼ of one percent of all money raised by Democrats running for the House in 2018. Democratic leadership would do well to recall that when the issue of party acceptance of fossil fuel industry donations next surfaces at the DNC.”

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    Notes to Editors:

    Full list of Oil Change United States endorsements: https://oilchangeus.org/endorsements/

    Oil Change United States-endorsed climate leaders who won their elections include:

    Ilhan Omar, U.S. House, MN-05

    Deb Haaland, U.S. House, NM-01

    Nika Elugardo, Massachusetts State House, 15th Suffolk District

    Danielle Friel Otten, Pennsylvania State House, 155th District

    Stephanie Garcia Richard, Public Lands Commissioner of New Mexico

    Full list of No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge signers: http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/pledge-signers/

    No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge signers who won their elections include:

    Dianne Feinstein, U.S. Senate, CA

    Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senate, VT

    Ruben Gallego, U.S. House, AZ-07

    Barbara Lee, U.S. House, CA-13

    Ro Khanna, U.S. House, CA-17

    Zoe Lofgren, U.S. House, CA-19

    Katie Hill, U.S. House, CA-25 (likely winner)

    Nanette Barragán, U.S. House, CA-44

    Harley Rouda, U.S. House, CA-48 (likely winner)

    Mike Levin, U.S. House, CA-49 (likely winner)

    Darren Soto, U.S. House, FL-09

    Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, U.S. House, FL-26

    Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. House, HI-02

    Jesús “Chuy” García, U.S. House, IL-04

    Jan Schakowsky, U.S. House, IL-09

    Ayanna Pressley, U.S. House, MA-07

    Jamie Raskin, U.S. House, MD-08

    Chellie Pingree, U.S. House, ME-01

    Andy Levin, U.S. House, MI-08

    Rashida Tlaib, U.S. House, MI-13

    Dean Phillips, U.S. House, MN-03

    Ilhan Omar, U.S. House, MN-05

    Chris Pappas, U.S. House, NH-01

    Deb Haaland, U.S. House, NM-01

    Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. House, NY-14

    Madeleine Dean, U.S. House, PA-04

    Mary Gay Scanlon, U.S. House, PA-05

    Mary Gay Scanlon, U.S. House, PA-07 (special election)

    Susan Ellis Wild, U.S. House, PA-07

    Susan Ellis Wild, U.S. House, PA-15 (special election; likely winner)

    Elaine Luria U.S. House, VA-02

    Jennifer Wexton, U.S. House, VA-10

    Pramila Jayapal, U.S. House, WA-07

    Kim Schrier, U.S. House, WA-08 (likely winner)

    Adam Smith, U.S. House, WA-09

    Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

    Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor of California

    John Fetterman, Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania

    David Zuckerman, Lieutenant Governor of Vermont

    Mandela Barnes, Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin

    Dana Nessel, Attorney General of Michigan

    Keith Ellison, Attorney General of Minnesota

    Jim Condos, Secretary of State of Vermont

    Fiona Ma, State Treasurer of California

    Beth Pearce, State Treasurer of Vermont

    Doug Hoffer, State Auditor of Vermont