Here's a look at the number of ex-members of Congress who have lobbied for the oil and gas industry since leaving office. It helps explain the industry's influence.
- Click here for the report.
- Click here for the report.
Last year, the oil and gas industry spent $144.7 million, or more than $396,000 per day, lobbying the U.S. Congress and federal agencies, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. It employed 763 lobbyists, nearly two for each member of the U.S. House of Representatives. More than 60 percent of these lobbyists were “revolving door” personnel, including former members of Congress, and Congressional staff. The industry has also spent more than $15 million in political campaign contributions since the beginning of 2013.
The oil and gas industry boasts an impressive roster of hired guns. Among the lobbyists working for the industry, 23 lobbyists were former Members of Congress, including 15 who had served on a relevant Committee (e.g. the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee). These include:
Former Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR): Lincoln served on the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Her firm, Lincoln Policy Group, lobbies on behalf of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America and the Valero Energy Corporation.
Former Senator Trent Lott (R-MS): Lott served as the Senate Majority Leader and as Chairman of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee. He now works for the international law firm Patton Boggs LLP, which represents Exxon Mobil and Royal Dutch Shell, among other clients.
Former Senator Don Nickles (R-OK): Nickles served on the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and was the Senate Majority Whip. His firm, The Nickles Group, LLC, lobbies on behalf of the Anadarko Petroleum Corporation and Exxon Mobil. Nickles has also served on the Board of Directors of the Chesapeake Energy Corporation and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Valero Energy Corporation.
In addition, at least 48 lobbyists were former White House employees, 20 worked at the U.S. Department of Energy, and 10 worked at the U.S. Department of the Interior. These lobbyists include former high-level agency executives (e.g. Assistant Secretaries).
