A significant portion of the bills that faced opposition from the oil industry this year, approximately two-thirds, met their demise. This outcome was facilitated, at least in part, by the collaboration with the building trades union. The alliance often placed Democrats in the challenging position of having to make choices between supporting jobs and prioritizing environmental concerns.
Sen. Lena Gonzalez, representing an industrial district encompassing Long Beach, where disadvantaged neighborhoods grapple with pollution, holds a 100% rating from environmental groups. Despite her efforts against the Big Oil lobby in Sacramento, an unexpected alliance between the state’s influential building and construction trades unions and the oil lobby thwarted three of her bills aimed at safeguarding vulnerable communities’ health.
This surprising collaboration sheds light on the less-discussed reality in environmentally progressive California, where Big Oil continues to secure victories in political battles. The Western States Petroleum Association and Chevron Corp., contributing a combined $15.3 million to lobbying efforts this year, hold considerable sway. The oil industry’s alignment with the powerful State Building and Construction Trades Council of California often compels the Democratic supermajority to navigate between environmental concerns and the preservation of oil industry jobs.
Of the 21 bills opposed by the oil and gas industry this year, only seven were signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, with half facing opposition from the building trades union. The alliance’s influence extends beyond legislative matters, as seen in the modification and dilution of bills, such as the windfall tax on oil company profits.
Catherine Reheis-Boyd, president of the Western States Petroleum Association, argues that Democrats are grappling with the practical implications of a rapid transition to green energy. She emphasizes the potential loss of jobs, strain on the energy grid, and risks akin to the 1970s fuel crisis.
The tension between California’s environmental reputation and its role as a major oil producer culminated in a significant clash last year. Gov. Newsom’s initiatives to ban gas-powered cars by 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 faced resistance, revealing the intricate interplay of environmental goals, oil industry interests, and labor considerations.
Sen. Steven Bradford, associated with both the oil industry and trades unions, played a pivotal role in modifying legislation related to oil profits. He argues that regulatory decisions must be approached cautiously to avoid unintended consequences, citing parallels with the electric power industry’s deregulation in 1996.
The alliance between the oil industry and trades unions, as exemplified by Bradford’s actions, underscores the challenges faced by legislators who prioritize environmental goals. Lawmakers like Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains, who voted against the diluted oil profits bill, faced internal party repercussions but gained support from the building trades council in subsequent campaign contributions.
The building trades council, comprising diverse unions, asserts its commitment to both job protection and support for California’s green energy transition. However, internal studies suggest potential job losses in the shift away from fossil fuels.
The complex dynamics of this alliance between Big Oil, labor unions, and environmental advocates underscore the intricate challenges faced by policymakers as they navigate California’s transition to a more sustainable future.
