The fossil fuel industry has a long history of deceiving the public and fighting against climate policies that would hold them accountable for their role in climate change. A new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists reveals how major fossil fuel companies have been actively involved in denying and deceiving the public about their knowledge of climate change since the 1950s.
The report, titled “Decades of Deceit: The Case Against Major Fossil Fuel Companies for Climate Fraud and Damages,” uses internal industry documents to show how the industry used trade associations and public relations firms to push their agenda of denial and deception. Despite the chaos and upheaval seen in other sectors during the first 100 days of the Trump administration, the fossil fuel industry has continued its business as usual.
The report highlights the significant amount of money the fossil fuel industry spends on lobbying the federal government, with over $150 million spent in 2024 alone. The industry has used trade associations to promote their messages and provide cover for companies that don’t want to engage directly with lawmakers and the public. This strategy allows companies to distance themselves from the anti-climate policies they support.
One of the most influential trade associations in the industry is the American Petroleum Institute (API), which has a long history of knowledge about climate change dating back to the 1950s. API has been involved in efforts to undermine climate science and promote uncertainty about the issue. The association has spent millions on lobbying efforts, including efforts to address liability legislation and shield the industry from accountability for its role in climate change.
API’s lobbying efforts have targeted specific issues such as offshore carbon sequestration, permitting on federal lands, and European environmental regulations. The association is also pushing for a legislative liability shield to protect itself and its member companies from climate accountability lawsuits. The fossil fuel industry’s influence on government policy is evident in the Justice Department’s preemptive lawsuits against states seeking to hold the industry accountable for climate damages.
Despite the fossil fuel industry’s efforts to deflect blame and avoid responsibility for their contributions to climate change, their actions speak louder than their words. The industry’s continued lobbying and influence on government policy show that they are more concerned with protecting their profits than addressing the urgent need for climate action. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, it is clear that the fossil fuel industry must be held accountable for their role in perpetuating the crisis. McCoy revealed that ExxonMobil supported carbon pricing knowing that it wouldn’t pass through Congress. This strategy of outwardly championing climate policies while secretly working against them is a common practice within the fossil fuel industry.
One organization known for its deceptive tactics is the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA). In 2009, IPAA launched Energy in Depth, a website designed to attack climate accountability experts and spread misinformation about the environmental and economic impacts of oil and gas production. FTI Consulting, a PR agency hired to manage Energy in Depth, openly stated that these platforms allow companies to say and do things that individual employees cannot.
IPAA recently spent $170,000 lobbying the government on various regulations, including the “Waste Emissions Charge,” which imposes fees on high methane-emitting oil and gas facilities. Despite the industry’s significant methane reduction goals, associations like IPAA and the American Petroleum Institute (API) have actively opposed such regulations.
The American Production and Exploration Council (AXPC) is another influential lobbying group representing the oil and gas industry. AXPC prioritized lobbying for the Promoting Domestic Energy Production Act, which would provide tax deductions for exploration costs. Despite the support from major industry players, AXPC has also targeted climate policies like methane fees and corporate climate disclosure rules.
The fossil fuel industry’s contradictory stance on climate policy has attracted scrutiny from investors and activists. Companies like ExxonMobil have faced pressure to align their public positions with the actions of their trade associations. While some companies have distanced themselves from these groups, the overall strategy of using trade associations to push anti-climate policies continues.
The call for climate accountability extends beyond individual companies to their trade associations. These organizations have played a significant role in perpetuating deception around climate change, and it is essential to hold them accountable for their actions. As the push for climate action intensifies, the role of trade associations in shaping policy and public opinion will continue to be a focus of scrutiny and advocacy efforts. The digital era has brought about a significant transformation in the way we communicate, work, and live our lives. With the rise of technology, the world has become more interconnected than ever before. We are now able to connect with people from all corners of the globe, access information instantaneously, and carry out tasks with unprecedented efficiency. This has led to a more efficient and interconnected world, and has revolutionized the way we live our lives.
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