ConocoPhillips Lobbied on Climate, Trade

ConocoPhillips Spent $4 Million in 2007 to Lobby Government on Climate Change, Polar Bears

WASHINGTON (AP) — Oil company ConocoPhillips spent more than $4 million in 2007 to lobby the federal government on environmental, energy and trade issues.

The company spent more than $1.8 million in the second half of 2007 to lobby the federal government, according to disclosure form posted online Feb. 4 by the Senate’s public records office.


The Houston-based company was among several oil companies that bid last week on drilling leases off Alaska’s northwest shore despite protests from conservationists, Native Alaska groups and some U.S. lawmakers. Critics said the federal government should have held up the sale until a decision was made on the protection of polar bears under the Endangered Species Act.

The Minerals Management Service will take about 90 days to review bids and wildlife managers will review exploration plans and development plans submitted by successful bidders. Companies may have to account for polar bears if the animals are listed as threatened under federal law.

The company also spent more than $2.2 million in the first six months of 2007 to lobby on largely the same matters, including climate change, energy, trade agreements and licensing and permitting.

AP