最近,通胀削减法案等气候和能源法案的通过引发了美国一个新的投资生态系统的出现。数十亿美元的政府资金可供争夺,各行各业的公司都在加大游说力度,以影响政策制定者并获得部分资助。游说支出显着增加,尤其是来自石油、公用事业和可再生能源公司。除了K街之外,企业利益也瞄准了能源部和财政部等机构,以塑造补贴和税收抵免的规则。律师事务所和游说公司介入帮助企业穿越这个新兴的生态系统,并从机会中获利。资金的涌入导致疯狂的争夺,一些人警告说“绿色沼泽”正在生长。然而,这个投资生态系统也为美国加快能源转型和气候举措创造了机会。
Fossil fuels and utilities resume big lobbying spend
The energy industry spent nearly $300 million on lobbying in 2022, the most since 2013 according to data. Spending from oil and gas giants is rising again after falling previously. Electric utilities have also ramped up lobbying spend in line with top spenders like pharma. These legacy energy players see billions in new government subsidies and want to influence how the money gets allocated. With energy policy in flux, they are pushing lawmakers on issues like oil permitting, utility procurement rules, and defining ‘clean’ hydrogen.
Renewable energy firms lobbying spend takes off
Renewable energy firms have rapidly increased lobbying expenditures in response to new climate laws. Their average spending jumped from $24 million per year during 2013-2020 to $47 million in 2022. Companies see huge upside from tax credits and loan programs in the laws. They are lobbying agencies like the DOE and IRS to shape favorable rules around which sectors get prioritized and how subsidies are implemented. Many firms have investment projects lined up that could secure billions based on meeting incentive criteria.
Law and lobbying firms capitalize as ‘guides’
With so much government funding up for grabs, a new ‘swamp’ of advisers and lobbyists has emerged to help corporations navigate the process. Law firms with tax expertise are leveraging their knowledge and connections, especially at IRS where direct lobbying is difficult. Lobbying shops are focused on shaping rules at DOE and Treasury. Those with White House connections emphasize their ability to provide access and input on politically contentious issues.
New ecosystem creates opportunities along with risks
The influx of climate-related investment creates economic potential but also risks of misallocation and wasted resources, aka a ‘green swamp.’ However, this ecosystem also lets the US direct capital to decarbonization technologies faster. Outcomes will depend on how incentives are designed and whether policy focuses on practical solutions. With good implementation, the ecosystem can accelerate energy innovation.
The surge in government climate and energy spending has spawned a new investment ecosystem and lobbying frenzy. Corporate interests across fossil fuels, renewables and beyond are jockeying for position in the emerging ecosystem. Law and lobbying firms have stepped in as guides to help companies capitalize on the opportunities.