🔗 Share this article

Per a recent analysis, dozens of people with experience in the petroleum sector have been appointed within the existing government, featuring more than 40 who earlier worked straight for oil companies.

Overview of the Analysis

The study investigated the histories of nominees and personnel working in the executive branch and several government departments responsible for climate policy. These cover major entities such as the EPA, the Interior Department, and the Department of Energy.

Broader Regulatory Context

The report surfaces during ongoing actions to dismantle energy regulations and alternative energy supports. For example, latest legislation have opened extensive sections of public property for mining and phased out support for sustainable power.

Amid the barrage of bad developments that have transpired on the climate side... it’s important to inform the people that these are not just actions from the amorphous, huge thing that is the government broadly, said one analyst participating in the analysis. They are commonly particular players originating from specific powerful groups that are carrying out this damaging pro-industry agenda.

Significant Findings

Researchers identified 111 personnel whom they deemed as industry insiders and renewable energy opponents. That includes 43 individuals who were personally serving by coal firms. Included in them are well-known leading executives such as the head of energy, who previously acted as top executive of a fracking corporation.

This group additionally includes less prominent administration personnel. As an illustration, the division overseeing renewable energy is led by a previous gas leader. Similarly, a senior policy counsel in the executive office has held high-ranking roles at large oil corporations.

Further Connections

An additional 12 officials have links to industry-backed rightwing thinktanks. Those include former staff and associates of groups that have vigorously resisted clean power and championed the use of traditional energy.

A total of 29 additional appointees are previous business leaders from polluting fields whose activities are directly linked to fossil fuels. Further individuals have connections with utility companies that sell traditional energy or elected officials who have advocated pro-oil policies.

Departmental Focus

Analysts discovered that 32 employees at the interior agency by themselves have ties to polluting energy, making it the most influenced government body. This includes the head of the department, who has long received industry funding and functioned as a bridge between energy sector supporters and the campaign.

Campaign Contributions

Energy supporters contributed significant money to the presidential effort and inauguration. Since entering the White House, the leadership has not only established industry-friendly regulations but also created benefits and exemptions that advantage the field.

Expertise Concerns

In addition to oil-tied appointees, the researchers identified several administration leaders who were nominated to powerful jobs with scant or no pertinent knowledge.

These officials may not be connected to oil and gas so explicitly, but their inexperience is concerning, stated a analyst. It’s plausible to think they will be pushovers, or easy marks, for the energy sector’s plans.

For example, the appointee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency’s division of chief legal officer has limited legal experience, having never argued a case to resolution, nor taken a deposition, and never filed a motion.

In a separate instance, a White House aide dealing on energy policy came to the role after being employed in jobs unrelated to the industry, with no clear specific energy industry or administrative expertise.

White House Response

One representative for the White House criticized the report, saying that the leadership’s appointees are extremely capable to execute on the people’s mandate to boost national fuel production.

Previous and Present Backdrop

This leadership implemented a massive array of pro-industry actions during its previous period. In its current term, prepared with rightwing plans, it has overseen a considerably wider and harsher dismantling on ecological policies and alternative sources.

There is no shame, stated one expert. They are willing and prepared to go out there and promote the fact that they are executing favors for the fossil fuel sector, resource sector, the coal sector.