Why it matters

The industry giant is positioning itself for traditional fossil fuel protection and cleaner energy transition opportunities.

By the numbers

  • $2.16 million: Total Q1 2025 lobbying expenditure
  • $1.94 million: In-house lobbying budget (down 23% from previous quarter)
  • $220,000: Combined spending on three outside firms

The big picture

Chevron’s lobbying efforts in Q1 utilize its substantial in-house team alongside three specialized firms: ENS Resources ($20,000), Mehlman Consulting ($80,000), and Ballard Partners ($120,000)—the latter specifically focused on reauthorization of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Drilling down

The company’s lobbying agenda spanned an exceptionally broad range of issues:

  • Environmental regulations: Extensive engagement on EPA’s greenhouse gas standards for vehicles, air quality rules, and methane regulations;
  • Energy production: Lobbying on offshore leasing programs, pipeline safety, and public land access;
  • Energy transition technologies: Significant focus on carbon capture (CCUS) permitting, hydrogen development, and sustainable aviation fuel;
  • Tax policy: Detailed lobbying on key provisions including Inflation Reduction Act implementation, intangible drilling cost deductions, and opposing carbon taxes, and
  • International energy: International engagement on issues spanning from Mexico to Kazakhstan, plus global forums like COP28

Legislative focus

Key bills targeted included H.R.1346 – the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, H.R.1897 – ESA Amendments Act, and the S.109 – Offshore Energy Security Act—all potentially impacting Chevron’s core operations.

Behind the lobbying

Chevron’s advocacy is led by seasoned professionals with deep Washington connections:

  • Karen Y. Knutson: Former Chief of Staff for Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Legislative Director for Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS)
  • Debra Sue Marshall: Former Senior Policy Adviser for the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis
  • Jason George Larrabee: Lobbying veteran with experience representing renewable energy clients
  • Robert L. Utsey: Added to the team in Q2 2024, continuing through Q1 2025

Between the lines

The lobbying disclosure reveals Chevron’s strategic balancing act—working to protect core oil and gas interests through tax policy and access to federal lands while simultaneously positioning itself for energy transition opportunities through engagement on carbon capture, hydrogen, and renewable fuels policy.

What to watch

While overall spending decreased from Q4 2024, the addition of Ballard Partners specifically for tax reform signals heightened focus on preserving corporate tax advantages as 2017 tax cuts face potential expiration.

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article