Oil and gas ties in UK Parliament raise concerns

A significant number of newly elected UK MPs have backgrounds in lobbying and consultancy for oil and gas companies, leading to concerns about potential industry influence on policy-making.

Andrew Kersley reports for DeSmog.

In short:

Twenty-four MPs elected in 2024 previously worked for firms representing fossil fuel clients, including major oil and gas companies and coal power stations.
Labour and Conservative MPs have backgrounds in communications and lobbying, with some having worked for agencies with ties to BP, Phillips 66 and ExxonMobil.
Critics argue this may hinder the political transition to renewable energy, given the fossil fuel industry's entrenched influence in politics.

Key quote:

“Part of what stops this transition from occurring is the embedded influence of the fossil fuels industry in politics.”

— Carla Denyer, Green Party co-leader

Why this matters:

The fossil fuel industry's influence over UK MPs could delay crucial policy changes needed to combat climate change. This raises concerns about the UK's ability to transition to renewable energy and meet its environmental goals.

www.desmog.com

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

grey wooden pathway surrounded by trees.

Credit: Jamie Hagan/Unsplash

Trump administration moves to end Army Corps’ Florida headquarters lease

The Trump administration plans to terminate the lease for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Jacksonville headquarters, which plays a key role in Everglades restoration and hurricane response, leaving employees uncertain about their future.

Amy Green reports for Inside Climate News.

Keep reading...Show less

Read the Full Article on

insideclimatenews.org

Oil and gas ties in UK Parliament raise concerns

Plastic water pipes leach dangerous chemicals when damaged in wildfires

Standing up for science: Around the world, scientists protest Trump threats to their work

Trump’s EPA moves to roll back chemical safety rules

U.S. pulls out of international effort to shift major polluters from coal

Congress hears warnings that cutting renewable energy incentives could drive up costs

Trump administration moves to end Army Corps’ Florida headquarters lease

China urged to halt coal power expansion as approvals surge

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Op-ed: Why funding for the environmental justice movement must be anti-racist

We must prioritize minority-serving institutions, BIPOC-led organizations and researchers to lead environmental justice efforts.

Biden finalizes long-awaited hydrogen tax credits ahead of Trump presidency

Responses to the new rules have been mixed, and environmental advocates worry that Trump could undermine them.

Op-ed: Toxic prisons teach us that environmental justice needs abolition

Prisons, jails and detention centers are placed in locations where environmental hazards such as toxic landfills, floods and extreme heat are the norm.

LISTEN: Reflections on the first five years of the Agents of Change program

The leadership team talks about what they’ve learned — and what lies ahead.

Study shows $1 billion in lost tax revenue in Houston area from industry tax breaks

Top polluters are benefiting the most from tax breaks.