Ever since former Vice President Al Gore brought to light the effects of global warming and climate change, it has changed how people regard our eco-system and environment. While many businesses and politicians disregarded the Vice President’s research and how our carbon emissions and other bad habits could potentially bring about the destruction of our environment, others were more greatly concerned about protecting our planet for future generations.
Nonprofits started to form, and lobbying efforts to encourage and promote recycling were born. Awareness about how people could make their lives more “green-friendly” and reduce their carbon footprints started to become more abundantly available. Even businesses and corporations were encouraged to get on board, and the push for the paperless office movement began.

Even the federal government got involved after DC lobbyists started to inform lawmakers of public opinions. As a result, the federal government phased out the production of incandescent light bulbs, started setting aside money for research into alternative fuel and energy sources, and taking other steps to help promote a greener environment.

While there have been positive results for climate change by lobbying firms, there are others who are against regulations and reforms, as it would mean a change in how they do business. Mainly, businesses that are considered “brown,” or those that generate an excessive amount of carbon emissions in industries, include:

• Petro, Oil, and Gas
• Utility Providers
• Automotive

Even though many businesses within these three industries spent the most on lobbying against reforms for climate change, there were still many operations that invested in lobbying in support of climate change reforms.

In fact, based upon research data collect from 2006 to 2009, the amounts invested by firms for lobbying efforts either for or against climate change was almost equal. The resulting spectrum was U-shaped, with those organizations that did not have much to gain or lose at the bottom of the spectrum.

One of the main reasons a company within one of these three industries would support climate change is it would help provide them with a competitive advantage over other firms opposed to reforms. For instance, in the automotive industry, certain automakers in support of climate change could benefit if there were developing solar powered electric vehicles or other break-through technologies that were not reliant on fossil fuels.

Another example which would create a competitive advantage is if a petrol, oil, and gas company were to develop a synthetic form of gasoline.

One of the primary reasons “brown” operations oppose reforms is the cost the companies will incur to update and change how they do business. For instance, if new reforms are passed that ban certain chemicals, a company might have to discontinue a profitable product line.

As you can see, there can be valid points made by both “green” and “brown” organizations about why they are either for or against reforms to climate change regulations and laws. To ensure your voice and position on climate change is heard on the Hill, do not hesitate to call Lobbyit at 202.587.2736 today.

Source

1. https://hbr.org/2016/10/research-whos-lobbying-congress-on-climate-change

You might think only big businesses rely upon lobbying firms to help lobby for their causes. However, people and businesses of all sizes can utilize lobbying efforts to ensure their opinions and voices are heard by lawmakers and politicians. Lobbying is an essential part of our democratic system and can help bring about change.

Whether you are a small business owner or part of an association, operate a nonprofit, are a university board member, or want to ensure your local municipality obtains federal funds, there are many reasons how lobbying can benefit you.

1. Lobbying Helps Influence Laws – Laws help bring about change, and people and groups of all sizes, with the support of lobbying firms, have brought about reforms to child care, social security, and the environment.
2. The Work of One Can Make a Difference – All it takes is one person to initiate awareness about an issue and find others with the same ideals to start to bring about change. Whether it is something you are personally struggling with or a proposed change in the law you disagree with, your efforts are important and they matter. Reforms to child support laws across the country began with the efforts of a lone single mother.
3. Politicians and Lawmakers Rely upon Input for Lobbyists – Public opinion about politics is often shaped by the amount of information and awareness provided by lobbyists. In turn, politicians and lawmakers listen to information they receive from lobbyists to help them make decisions. In addition, lobbying efforts help determine how federal and state budgets are developed and where the funds are spent.
4. One Person’s Efforts Lead to People and Groups Working Together – As awareness of a cause is raised, it often leads to others with similar ideals and objectives. As people and groups start to form and combine their efforts, it brings about change. For example, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) came about after Candy Lightner founded the organization after a drunk driver hit and killed her daughter, Cari Lightner on May 3, 1980. Today, it is one of the most influential nonprofits that helps shape impaired and drunk driving laws nationwide. (Source: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/madd-founders-daughter-killed-by-drunk-driver)
5. Lobbyists Help Create Real Solutions to Problems – Once a problem has been identified, lobbyists work with politicians and lawmakers to look for ways to resolve them, for the betterment of people. For instance, lobbyists made it possible for restaurants to donate food to homeless shelters and those in need in many areas where this was once against the law.

While anyone can start lobbying efforts, it is often better to obtain help from a qualified lobbying firm, as there are specific guidelines, regulations, and reporting requirements. Plus, with the help of a lobbyist, your cause could grow and gather support more quickly. As it grows, the lobbyist is able to represent the entire group and their objectives. For more information about lobbying and what to do to get your voice heard by politicians and lawmakers, contact Lobbyit at 202.587.2736 now.

“Soft” lobbying is a new form of lobbying some corporations are pursuing in addition to traditional lobbying efforts through Washington lobbyists. In the past, corporations would retain the services of registered lobbyists from top lobbying firms to help support their causes and objectives. However, with the shift in lobbying contributions and donations, largely due to the Obama administration, lobbyists were finding their efforts restricted. As a result, corporations were not achieving the desired results.

With “soft” lobbying, corporations make donations to non-profit agencies, who, in turn, use the money to help influence and shape policies within the government. The best way to think of this form of lobbying is it is a “back door” to gain influence and attempt to sway politicians toward a group’s objectives, but without a “frontal” assault, so to speak.

To further illustrate the concept of “soft” lobbying, it is best to provide this example. Back in 2014, one of the first “soft” lobbying efforts was launched by Citizens for Health. Its objective was to encourage the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to require better labeling on food and beverages containing high-fructose corn syrup. Their campaign even extended to educating consumers.

However, what was not well-known then was the group received the majority of its financial support from numerous companies within the sugar industry. Sugar companies are highly competitive with corn syrup producers, and have been for years. The use of Citizens for Health was a wise move to help influence policies within the government.

Not just sugar firms are employing “soft” lobbying tactics. There are growing numbers of other operations in numerous industries, as well as personal interest groups, utilizing non-profits and other outlets, like funding research to support expert testimony, to sway public opinions, and, therefore, to direct the decisions being made in Washington.

One of the main benefits of taking this approach is not having to deal with the rules and regulations registered lobbyists must adhere to, like having to publicly list where they obtained their donations. Currently non-profits are not required to share this information, so their list of donors can remain anonymous.

The trend has been evident in the steady decline in donations being made to registered lobbying firms. Corporations are reinvesting the money they previously donated to registered lobbyists by using “soft” lobbying, since there are no reporting requirements on how much they invest in non-profits to help influence public and political opinions and laws.

This does not mean traditional lobbying is going to disappear. With the pending presidential election, both Democratic and Republican nominees have been receptive to lobbying and support from K-Street firms. As such, depending upon the outcome of the election, there could potentially be a shift once more in the methods corporations will utilize in the future. To discover how Lobbyit can help businesses of all sizes, even small businesses, contact us at 202.587-2736 and have your voice heard where it matters most.

Under the Obama administration, lobbying efforts and donation support by lobbying firms was scrutinized. However, there seems to be a thaw occurring in the Democratic Party with Democratic Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton. Mrs. Clinton has relaxed the former restrictions put in place by Obama for contributions and support from lobbyists during his eight years in office.

Hillary has graciously accepted donations and contributions from lobbyists of over $9 million, as of the end of July 2016. In addition, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) relaxed the former prohibitions on accepting lobbying contributions to support conventions and the party, in general. As a result, lobbyists are hopeful these changes will open up new opportunities, should Hillary be elected come November.

The objective of lobbyist groups during a Clinton presidency would be to help shape her platform and policies, and to potentially influence the executive branch of government. Unlike Obama, many feel Clinton understands the importance of finding and supporting the best causes that are of interest, not only in politics and Washington DC, but also those that benefit the general public.

During the time Obama has been in office, many lobbyists resorted to wearing a letter “L” on t-shirts to show their dissatisfaction with the President’s stance against accepting donations and contributions from lobbyists, and the people and businesses they represent. This campaign year things were entirely different, with many lobbyists pleasantly surprised in the changes by the DNC and Hillary allowing them to attempt to sway Democrats toward their views.

Additionally, the Clintons are not new to lobbying, and many on K Street have worked with former President Bill Clinton or Hillary in some fashion throughout both of their political careers. With the potential for her to be the first female to be elected as president and the unity of the Democratic Party, there are several potential historical milestones that could be realized, and lobbyists are anxious to be included.

Since Hillary is more receptive to lobbyists than Obama is, it opens up doors that have been closed the past eight years. However, lobbying efforts extend beyond supporting Hillary. Support for Democratic candidates in congress is equally important. As we have seen with a Republican controlled congress and Democratic president, it makes things challenging and slows progress of our government.

Even if the Democrats are not able to regain control of congress, it does not mean Hillary will not be able to get things done. She has demonstrated on several occasions, in her time as a Senator, her abilities to unite both parties. Not to mention, there could be opportunities for her to nominate Supreme Court justices.

It is worth mentioning, if Hillary is elected president in November, it will be the first time the Democratic Party has held the office for the longest uninterrupted period of time since President Roosevelt held the office. For more information on lobbying, and to help get your voice heard on the Hill, no matter what candidates and causes you support, contact Lobbyit today at 202.587.2736.