For the first time, Woods and the heads of three other major petroleum companies were questioned under oath at a congressional hearing into the industry’s long campaign to discredit and deny the evidence that burning fossil fuels drove global heating. When pressed to make specific pledges or to stop lobbying against climate initiatives, all four executives declined.

They also come after an Exxon lobbyist was caught on tape discussing efforts to influence several members of congress on the reconciliation bill, including saying he talks to Sen. Joe Manchin’s (D-W.Va.) office every week.

Manchin, a key Senate swing vote, later denied having weekly meetings with the lobbyist.

His opposition has resulted in at least one key climate program being cut from Democrats' spending package, which would have incentivized energy companies to move away from fossil fuel use.