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Per a recent review, numerous of personnel having histories in the energy industry have been placed within the present administration, including above 40 who earlier worked directly for coal corporations.

Context of the Analysis

The study investigated the histories of nominees and personnel positioned in the administration and several national offices overseeing energy matters. These include important organizations like the EPA, the Interior Department, and the Department of Energy.

Larger Policy Context

The report surfaces during persistent efforts to roll back climate policies and alternative energy programs. For example, new acts have unlocked vast sections of government territory for drilling and reduced funding for sustainable energy.

With the firehose of negative actions that have occurred on the climate front... it’s important to educate the citizens that these aren’t just steps from the amorphous, huge thing that is the leadership generally, stated a analyst participating in the analysis. They are often specific players with ties to certain moneyed groups that are carrying out this harmful pro-industry agenda.

Significant Findings

Authors discovered 111 employees whom they deemed as fossil fuel insiders and clean energy critics. This encompasses 43 officials who were personally employed by gas enterprises. Among them are well-known senior leaders such as the top energy official, who previously served as top executive of a fracking corporation.

This group additionally contains less prominent administration staff. As an illustration, the office responsible for energy efficiency is headed by a previous oil leader. Likewise, a senior policy counsel in the executive office has occupied senior positions at prominent petroleum companies.

Further Links

A further 12 appointees have ties to fossil fuel-funded conservative research groups. These cover ex- members and associates of groups that have actively fought alternative sources and championed the continuation of traditional energy.

Moreover 29 additional officials are former industry managers from manufacturing sectors whose activities are intimately linked to oil and gas. Additional officials have relationships with utility companies that market fossil fuels or elected officials who have advocated pro-oil policies.

Departmental Emphasis

Researchers discovered that 32 staff at the interior agency by themselves have ties to fossil fuel energy, establishing it as the highest compromised federal agency. That includes the head of the department, who has consistently taken industry funding and served as a link between fossil fuel industry donors and the government.

Political Funding

Fossil fuel donors donated substantial funds to the election effort and swearing-in. After assuming power, the administration has not only enacted pro-fossil fuel rules but also designed incentives and exceptions that favor the field.

Experience Issues

Besides energy-connected appointees, the analysts noted multiple White House officials who were nominated to influential jobs with scant or no relevant knowledge.

These people may not be tied to fossil fuels so closely, but their unfamiliarity is dangerous, remarked a co-author. It’s logical to think they will be compliant, or easy marks, for the fossil fuel agenda.

For example, the nominee to lead the EPA’s division of legal affairs has limited legal history, having not ever argued a lawsuit to completion, never taken a sworn statement, and never argued a legal request.

During a separate case, a executive advisor focusing on energy policy moved to the role after being employed in roles disconnected to energy, with no clear direct energy industry or regulatory experience.

White House Response

One official for the administration rejected the findings, stating that the government’s appointees are extremely qualified to implement on the voters’ instruction to increase American fuel output.

Historical and Present Backdrop

This government implemented a substantial series of deregulatory measures during its first tenure. In its second term, equipped with conservative agendas, it has overseen a considerably wider and harsher dismantling on climate policies and renewable energy.

There’s no embarrassment, commented one analyst. Officials are proud and ready to go out there and promote the fact that they are doing benefits for the energy sector, mining sector, the coal industry.