Industries Storm States over Climate Change

Industries Storm States Over Climate Change is the title of a report by the National Institute on Money in State Politics's Tyler Evilsizer, published March 18, 2009.

Summary
According to the report, "As the climate change debate heats up in the states, those with a keen interest in the issue have turned up the pressure to make sure their voices are heard in the lawmaking process. Between 2003 and 2007, energy-related companies contributed $151 million to state-level politics; chambers of commerce, manufacturers and pro-business organizations gave an additional $31.4 million. In sharp contrast, environmental organizations and alternative energy companies contributed only $26 million.
 * Chevron Corp. was the top energy industry contributor from 2003 to 2007, giving $3.5 million to candidates and parties. 82 percent of that went to Republicans.
 * Energy companies in coalitions to oppose climate change legislation hired 3,794 lobbyists in 2006 and 2007.
 * Energy companies spent over $86 million to defeat California's Proposition 87, which would have taxed energy companies' profits to fund alternative energy research.
 * Pro-environmental groups were outspent 16-to-1 by the energy industry.
 * Energy companies in coalitions to oppose climate change legislation gave $151 million to state-level politics between 2003 and 2007.

Related SourceWatch Articles

 * Global warming