Why it matters: Koch Cos. Public Sector is mounting a multi-front offensive against vehicle emission standards and EV mandates while pushing back on chemical regulations and positioning for upcoming tax battles.
By the numbers:
- $2.76 million went to Koch’s in-house lobbying team (68% of total spending) in Q1 of 2025
- The remainder was distributed across eight external firms, with PhronesisDC LLC ($110,000) receiving the largest share
Koch relies on a stable of experienced lobbyists with deep Washington connections:
- Catherine Haggett has been lobbying for Koch since 2005, focusing on energy, environment, and tax policy
- Brian Henneberry, with Koch since 2006, previously served as a legislative assistant to Senator Sam Brownback
- Jason Lawrence, a newer addition who joined in 2022, brings expertise from his time at the National Rifle Association on First Amendment and free speech issues
The big picture: Koch Industries — one of America’s largest private companies with diverse interests in chemicals, refining, forest products, and manufacturing — is particularly focused on halting California’s ability to set vehicle emission standards that effectively push the market toward electric vehicles.
Driving the news: Koch is aggressively lobbying on several Congressional Review Act resolutions that have already passed the House:
- H.J.Res. 87/S.J.Res. 46: Would nullify EPA’s waiver for California’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which requires increasing zero-emission truck sales
- H.J.Res. 88/S.J.Res. 45: Targets California’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulations, which aim to phase out gasoline vehicle sales by 2035
- H.J.Res. 89/S.J.Res. 47: Would block California’s Low NOx regulations for heavy-duty trucks
Between the lines: Koch is also backing legislation like the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act and Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act, both aiming to prevent regulations that would limit internal combustion engine vehicle availability.
Who else is involved: Other organizations lobbying similar issues to Koch include:
- Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and National Association of Small Trucking Companies on vehicle emissions rules
- Specialty Equipment Market Association on preserving the internal combustion engine market
- FedEx and American International Automobile Dealers Association on opposing California’s clean vehicle standards
Beyond transportation: Koch’s lobbying disclosure also reveals activities on:
- Tax issues, including carbon tax opposition, corporate tax provisions, and preparation for the expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
- Chemical safety regulations, including lobbying on H.J.Res. 46, which would disapprove an EPA rule on toxic chemicals
- First Amendment and free speech concerns, particularly related to campaign finance and IRS regulation
The bottom line: Koch’s increased lobbying spending signals that 2025 is a critical year for its policy priorities, with transportation electrification and environmental regulations representing the most immediate battlegrounds.