Washington lobbyists are unsettled by President-elect Donald Trump's appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy's proposals for tighter regulations on pesticides, vaccine safety, and processed foods threaten various industries' interests. Lobbyists are strategizing to prevent his Senate confirmation while also preparing to work with him if necessary. The appointment has introduced uncertainty in the lobbying sector, with concerns about Kennedy's "Make America Healthy Again" agenda potentially disrupting established industry norms.
Amazon lobbyists have been banned from the European Parliament until further notice after an internal body unanimously decided to withdraw their badges, following the US firm's failure to cooperate with MEPs. The ban was supported by various political groups and civil society organizations, with the possibility of reconsideration if Amazon shows willingness to cooperate. This is not the first time such action has been taken, as in 2017, Monsanto lobbyists were also barred for similar reasons.
Lobbyists from the meat and dairy industry, as well as agribusiness companies and trade groups, have turned out in record numbers at Cop28, with three times as many delegates representing these sectors compared to last year. The presence of powerful and polluting firms has raised concerns about their influence on climate negotiations. Meat and dairy companies are facing increased scrutiny due to their significant greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. The analysis also reveals a rise in the number of delegates representing pesticide and synthetic fertilizer industries. Small-scale farmers worry about being sidelined by the agribusiness lobby, while corporations aim to steer conversations away from dietary change. The presence of industry representatives as part of country delegations grants them privileged access to diplomatic negotiations.
Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! attempts to question Sultan Al Jaber, the CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and president of COP28, about his controversial comments denying the need for a phaseout of fossil fuels to limit global warming. Al Jaber's remarks contradict those of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who emphasizes the importance of phasing out fossil fuels. Goodman also questions the record number of fossil fuel lobbyists present at the climate summit. Despite attempts to question Al Jaber, she is directed to a press conference scheduled for the following day, which ultimately does not take place.
The number of delegates at the UN climate talks with ties to fossil fuel producers has quadrupled since last year, reaching a record high of around 2,400 attendees. This surpasses the total number of delegates from the ten countries most vulnerable to climate change. The increase is partly due to new registration requirements that demand transparency about attendees' employment. Campaigners argue that the presence of fossil fuel-linked delegates undermines the integrity of the talks, which are expected to address the future of fossil fuels.
A report from a coalition of corporate watchdog and climate advocacy groups reveals that over 2,400 individuals connected to the fossil fuel industry have registered to attend the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, nearly quadrupling the number from last year's gathering. Fossil fuel employees and representatives now outnumber the delegations of all countries except the United Arab Emirates and Brazil. The attendance at the summit has also surged, with over 80,000 people registered, more than double the number from last year. The findings are expected to intensify tensions at the summit, where the role of fossil fuels in addressing the climate crisis is a contentious issue.
The guest list for the upcoming COP28 climate summit in the UAE is raising eyebrows, as it is dominated by bankers, lobbyists, and even housekeeping staff. Critics argue that the presence of financial institutions and lobbyists undermines the summit's goal of addressing climate change, while others defend the inclusion of diverse voices.
Lobbyists in Washington are capitalizing on the growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) policy, with AI companies, industries, and interest groups enlisting their help to influence AI policy. The wide-ranging impact of AI across various sectors has led to a surge in business opportunities for lobbyists, who are positioning themselves as subject matter experts in AI. The lobbying frenzy has intensified as Congress delves into AI-related policy, with industries seeking incentives and avoiding restrictive regulations. OpenAI, while not officially hiring lobbyists, is building a presence in Washington and has tapped law firms for guidance and representation. Executives in the AI industry are also making significant campaign donations to cultivate political influence.
Frustrated with what they perceive as regulatory overreach, banking trade groups in the United States are taking their fight against new rules to the public. Lobbyists representing banks of all sizes, including the American Bankers Association and the Independent Community Bankers of America, have resorted to legal threats and public attacks to challenge the legitimacy of federal regulators' powers. They have filed lawsuits against regulators such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Reserve, accusing them of exceeding their authority. The lobbyists argue that the Biden administration has appointed regulatory heads who are unwilling to compromise or listen to their concerns. This shift in tactics marks a departure from the more discreet lobbying efforts of the past and reflects the acrimonious political discourse in the country.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his political team targeted top lobbyists and their clients for political contributions, with a fundraising document revealing dollar figures next to each lobbyist's name. The document suggested that lobbyists be allowed to offer perks, such as meals and rounds of golf with DeSantis, in exchange for contributions. DeSantis's team aimed for nine lobbyists to raise at least $1 million each, with some golf outings with the governor expected to net contributions of $75,000 or more. The fundraising efforts, which included direct involvement from DeSantis, have raised concerns about the influence of wealthy donors on state policies.
Democratic Senator Jon Tester, who once attacked his Republican opponent for close ties to lobbyists, has received over $160,000 in campaign contributions from employees and committees representing the defense industry since becoming chair of the Senate Defense Appropriations subcommittee in 2021. The donations came at a crucial juncture for both the defense budget and Lockheed Martin, as senators were crafting an $858 billion military package and the Defense Department had submitted a late request for $1.4 billion for its F-35 fighter jet program. Tester's subcommittee successfully pushed to add $1.8 billion "for the restoration of all 19 at-risk aircraft."
Officials in Ron DeSantis's administration have solicited donations from lobbyists and endorsements from lawmakers in Florida for his presidential campaign, blurring the line between his taxpayer-funded office and his political campaign. The outreach by the governor’s office, which would normally fall to Mr. DeSantis’s campaign staff, was described by two people who said they were approached by administration officials and who insisted on anonymity. The unusual outreach to lobbyists and lawmakers highlights the careful line that Mr. DeSantis and his allies must walk as he seeks the nation’s highest post while governing its third largest state.
Former Michigan House Speaker Rick Johnson, two lobbyists, and a medical marijuana business owner have been charged in a bribery scheme related to the state's licensing of medical marijuana businesses. Johnson, who was the chairman of the state's medical marijuana licensing board, was charged with accepting bribes. Each of the four defendants has signed a plea agreement and admitted to the charges. The investigation remains ongoing, and more charges are expected.
