The Climate Deregulation Playbook: A Familiar Funding Script
The announced rescission of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 'endangerment finding,' which determined that greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare, is presented by the White House as a move to 'unleash American energy dominance.' This framing, however, elides the extensive financial and political infrastructure dedicated to promoting such deregulation. THE ACTORS: Who is
involved in this story? Donald Trump's Administration: The executive branch directly implementing the policy change. Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator: The political appointee tasked with executing the administration's environmental agenda. His previous statements, such as calling the Obama-era rule 'one of the most damaging decisions in modern history,' align with these deregulatory objectives.
Lobbying Groups & Think Tanks: Organizations such as the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), the Heritage Foundation, and the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) have consistently advocated for deregulation, providing intellectual and policy frameworks for such actions. THE FUNDING: Where does their money come from? Fossil Fuel Industry: A primary beneficiary of relaxed environmental
standards. For instance, Koch Industries has spent over $145 million on lobbying during federal election cycles since 2000, with a significant portion directed at climate and energy policy (OpenSecrets, 2024). The American Petroleum Institute (API), a major oil and gas trade association, spent approximately $5.4 million on lobbying in 2023 alone (OpenSecrets, 2024). Political Campaigns: