In Your Facebook Feed: Oil Industry Pushback Against Biden Climate Plans

"The messages take aim at Democrats by name as part of a broad effort to undermine landmark climate legislation that now hangs in the balance in Congress."

"The ads appear on Facebook millions of times a week. They take aim at vulnerable Democrats in Congress by name, warning that the $3.5 trillion budget bill — one of the Biden administration’s biggest efforts to pass meaningful climate policy — will wreck the United States economy.

“Some politicians including Rep. Houlahan are setting their sights on pushing for tax hikes on U.S. energy producers,” reads an ad attacking Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania that started running Sept. 15. “Tax hikes on U.S. energy producers is equal to risking U.S. energy jobs. Call Rep. Houlahan now!”

The paid posts are part of a broad attack by the oil and gas industry against the budget bill, whose fate now hangs in the balance. Among the climate provisions that are likely to be left out of the plan is an effort to dismantle billions of dollars in fossil-fuel tax breaks — provisions that experts say incentivize the burning of fossil fuels responsible for catastrophic climate change."

Hiroko Tabuchi reports for the New York Times September 30, 2021.

SEE ALSO:

"Apple And Disney Among Companies Backing Groups Against US Climate Bill" (Guardian)

"House Delays Vote on Infrastructure Bill as Democrats Feud" (New York Times)

"Democrats Delay Infrastructure Vote As Talks Continue" (E&E News)

"Dem Divisions, Manchin Demands Highlight Climate Struggles" (E&E Daily)

Source: NYTimes, 10/01/2021