LOBBYING: Exxon spends more in Washington than entire clean energy industry

July 31, 2009 -- Oil giant Exxon Mobil Corp. spent more to lobby Washington decision makers in the past six months than all clean-energy companies combined, according to a report from New Energy Finance Ltd.

"With the huge amount of stimulus funds the federal government has offered, it is hardly a surprise that the sector is stepping up its efforts," said Michael Liebreich, chairman of London-based New Energy Finance. "But the increased spending is also partly a reaction to the feeling that over the past few years a lot of policy has been passed, not all of it well-designed to spur productive investment in the industry."

Exxon devoted $14.9 million to lobbying during the first half of the year, 23 percent more than the $12.1 million clean energy companies spent during the same period. Oil and gas companies together put $82.2 million toward Washington lobbying (Bloomberg, July 30).