New Data: Oil and Gas Industry Has Spent an Average of $4.3 Million per Senate Seat and $490,000 per House Seat

Oil and gas executives and other powerful corporate interests want to keep us home by spreading misinformation and contributing to politicians supporting voter suppression efforts. In fact, new data shows that the oil and gas industry has spent an estimated average of $4.3 million per Senate seat and $490,000 per House seat supporting their back-pocket candidates.

In response to the 2022 midterm elections Ebony Twilley Martin, Greenpeace USA Co-Executive Director, said:

"Today is a turning point for our country, and the urgency of the climate crisis demands that all of us make our voice heard. In 2020, climate voters turned out in record numbers to help protect our families, our democracy, and ensure a livable future. Today, we must do the same.

"Whatever our color, background, or zip code, we must show up to vote for leaders who will be champions for freedom, justice, and a livable future. We need leaders who will protect our right to vote and ensure our voices are heard, especially when the American people are so clearly demanding climate action. What happens at the polls will determine our ability to protect each other and our planet for years to come.

"Oil and gas executives and other powerful corporate interests want to keep us home by spreading misinformation and contributing to politicians supporting voter suppression efforts. In fact, new data shows that the oil and gas industry has spent on estimated average of $4.3 million for key Senate and $490,000 for key House seats supporting their back-pocket candidates. This election is set to be the most expensive midterms ever. We must stay the course against unprecedented millionaire money funding extremist candidates, election overthrowers, and rampant disinformation.

"We need champions in Congress who will fight for us. We cannot achieve the necessary victories for our communities, our children, our air, water, lands, wildlife, and climate without a healthy, functioning democracy. Expanding the number of climate champions in the U.S. House and Senate would be a major step towards protecting our freedoms and securing a future where we all thrive.

"This election puts us at a critical crossroads: one path sends us towards climate catastrophe, the weakening of our democracy, and more injustice. The other path, which I am calling on us to take today, is a chance to improve our lives and protect our planet together."