Beyond Heavy Industry: Most Climate Lobbying Comes from Supply Chains

A new dataset reveals corporate lobbying on climate policy in the US is dominated by non-emitting firms. This study finds that opposition to decarbonization extends through supply chains, with carbon-intensive inputs and downstream sales driving political activity among these companies.

Key Findings:

• 66% of US lobbying on climate policy comes from industries not directly emitting CO2.
• These non-emitting firms are part of an organized 'extended carbon coalition'.
• The coalition's opposition is explained by their exposure to downstream emissions.

Why It Matters: This research demonstrates that climate change resistance operates through complex economic networks, extending far beyond direct polluters. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive approaches addressing all actors in the economy.