A new analysis reveals that Republican lawmakers who voted for Donald Trump’s environmental tax and spending bill have received over $105 million in political donations from the fossil fuel industry, raising questions about their ties to big oil.
The legislation, signed into law last month as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, includes billions in benefits for oil and gas companies while rolling back clean energy incentives established under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Nearly all GOP House members and senators supported the bill—including those from districts that benefited most from the IRA’s green energy credits, such as New York Representative Andrew Garbarino and Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski.
According to the environmental group Climate Power, lawmakers backing the bill have collectively taken $54.4 million from fossil fuel interests in the House and $51.5 million in the Senate. The report accuses these Republicans of prioritizing oil and gas donors over their own states’ clean energy industries.
With midterm elections approaching, Climate Power also examined donations to 15 vulnerable House Republicans identified by the Cook Political Report. All 15 supported the bill and accepted over $3 million from fossil fuel interests. These lawmakers represent states like Colorado, Iowa, and Michigan—regions that have gained jobs and investment from the IRA’s wind, solar, and battery manufacturing incentives. The bill now threatens over 110,000 jobs in these sectors across their districts and could raise household energy costs by up to $200 per year by 2030, according to Energy Innovation.
Some of these Republicans had initially criticized the bill. Iowa’s Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who took $229,179 from oil and gas donors, had pledged to protect clean energy credits but voted for the bill anyway. Colorado’s Jeff Hurd had opposed cuts to Medicaid but ultimately supported the legislation.
“These members represent swing districts where voters expect them to prioritize local jobs, not out-of-state oil interests,” said Pete Jones of Climate Power. “Instead, they sided with their billionaire donors.”
Fossil fuel spending on political influence has been staggering. Climate Power found that the industry spent $445 million in the last election cycle to sway Trump and Congress. Another report revealed that oil and gas companies contributed over $19 million to Trump’s inaugural fund—nearly 8% of its total donations.
Since returning to office, Trump has not only pushed through the anti-environmental bill but also signed executive orders to suppress clean energy and boost oil and gas production. “We will be a rich nation again, and it is that liquid gold under our feet that will help do it,” he declared in his inaugural address.
FAQS
### **FAQs About Republican Lawmakers, Trump’s Anti-Environmental Legislation, and Oil Company Donations**
#### **Basic Questions**
**1. What anti-environmental legislation did Trump pass?**
Trump rolled back over 100 environmental rules, including limits on methane emissions, clean water protections, and fuel efficiency standards.
**2. Which Republican lawmakers supported these changes?**
Many GOP lawmakers backed Trump’s policies, including those who received donations from oil companies. Notable names include Senators Ted Cruz, Mitch McConnell, and John Cornyn.
**3. How much money did these lawmakers take from oil companies?**
Reports show they accepted over **$105 million** in campaign donations and lobbying support from major oil and gas companies.
**4. Why would oil companies donate to these lawmakers?**
Oil companies often fund politicians who support policies that benefit their industry, like weaker environmental regulations.
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#### **Intermediate Questions**
**5. Which oil companies donated the most?**
ExxonMobil, Chevron, Koch Industries, and ConocoPhillips were among the top donors.
**6. Did these donations influence policy decisions?**
While direct influence is hard to prove, there’s a strong correlation between donations and lawmakers voting for industry-friendly policies.
**7. What environmental risks come from these policy changes?**
Weaker regulations can lead to more pollution, accelerated climate change, and harm to public health.
**8. Are these donations legal?**
Yes, as long as they follow campaign finance laws. However, critics argue this creates conflicts of interest.
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#### **Advanced Questions**
**9. How do these donations compare to Democratic lawmakers’ funding?**
Democrats generally receive far less from oil companies and more from renewable energy advocates.
**10. What’s the long-term impact of these policies?**
They could delay the transition to clean energy, increase carbon emissions, and lead to more extreme climate events.
**11. Have any lawmakers faced backlash for taking oil money?**
Some have been criticized by environmental groups and voters, but few have lost elections solely over this issue.
**12. What can voters do about this?**
They can support candidates who reject fossil fuel money, push for campaign finance reform, and vote based on environmental records.
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#### **Practical Tips & Examples**
