Lobbying spend of Shell, Exxon Mobil and trade groups estimated in transparency effort

By Alex Pashley

Giants of the oil and gas industry spent millions of dollars last year to manipulate lawmakers and public discourse on climate change, an NGO claimed on Thursday.

Exxon, Shell and three trade associations spent US$114 million, according to data compiled by London-based non-profit organisation Influence Map.

Lobby group the American Petroleum Institute spent the most at $65 million, followed by Exxon Mobil on $27m and Shell on $22m last year.

Two smaller trade groups, the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) and the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association totalled about $9m.

In the first estimate of its kind, Influence Map analysed tax records and lobbying registers to estimate total spending. They then assessed the extent geared towards climate legislation.

Finally, they graded the players on their supportiveness of climate action, with Shell getting a D-, Exxon E- and API an F.

It comes as investors are calling for increased disclosure on where their funds are headed. Exxon is under investigation over claims it misled investors on the evidence for human-caused climate change.

While more and more investor groups are spending money on pro-climate advocacy, Influence Map estimates the amount is much smaller, at less than $5 million a year.