Climate lobbying in D.C. attracts Texans—Employment surges…

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http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/6349271.html

Climate lobbying in D.C. attracts Texans

Employment surges in area where state’s energy industry has a huge stake

By HAILEY R. BRANSON
Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle Washington Bureau
March 30, 2009, 9:06AM

WASHINGTON — The nation’s economy is in the tank, and companies in Houston and elsewhere have been shedding jobs. But in Washington, there’s a growth industry that’s putting some Texans to work: climate change lobbying.

The climate change business has spiked in the last year, especially after Barack Obama was elected president as a strong supporter of legislation to drastically reduce fossil fuel emissions. Roughly 2,340 lobbyists dealing with climate issues were hired in 2008, according to a Center for Public Integrity analysis of Senate lobbying disclosure forms.

The climate lobbyists now outnumber members of Congress by a margin of more than 4 to 1 and span the political spectrum — from Hollywood stars on the left to conservatives who argue global warming is a hoax. But one of the most active players in the debate has been a mainstay of the Texas economy: the energy industry.

“Everyone has a stake in any final legislation,” said Rep. Gene Green, D-Houston, “and interest groups from all viewpoints — environmentalists, consumer protection organizations, and business interests — have been increasingly requesting meetings with members (of Congress) and staff to relay their concerns.”

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