Why It Matters

ConocoPhillips’ Q3 2025 lobbying spending of $600,000 directly targets legislation that could reshape the company’s operational landscape. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act provides approximately $18 billion in new fossil fuel tax benefits over the next decade, with enhanced oil recovery credits increasing substantially. Support for HR 4776 (SPEED Act) and HR 3898 (PERMIT Act) could dramatically accelerate project approvals, while advocacy for Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve development directly benefits the company’s flagship Willow project.

By the Numbers

ConocoPhillips Co. reported $600,000 in in-house lobbying expenditures for Q3 2025.

The company has maintained continuous lobbying efforts since August 2003, filing 322 disclosure reports with total expenditures exceeding $151.8 million. Kevin J. Avery, a senior team member and former Legislative Counsel to Senator Mary Landrieu, provides valuable procedural expertise and bipartisan access.

The company’s current four-person internal team includes seasoned veterans: Kjersten Scott Drager has represented the company since October 2013 across 49 disclosure filings totaling over $60.9 million. Gina Felton has worked for ConocoPhillips since April 2021, representing $33.9 million in activity, while newer member Marissa F. Staples joined in April 2025.

The Agenda

ConocoPhillips is actively lobbying on four major policy areas:

  • Tax Policy: Securing favorable treatment within the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" while opposing the End Polluter Welfare Act of 2025 that would eliminate fossil fuel subsidies.

  • Federal Permitting Reform: Supporting HR 4776 (SPEED Act) and HR 3898 (PERMIT Act) to expedite federal project reviews and limit judicial appeals.

  • Alaska Oil and Gas Development: Opposing the BLM’s 2024 National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska Final Rule while pushing for expanded development including its Willow project.

  • Environmental Regulation: Supporting EPA and DOJ nominee confirmations while managing compliance with consent decrees and Waters of the U.S. permits.

Broader Context

ConocoPhillips is lobbying amid a dramatically favorable political environment. The Trump administration has reopened Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve for lease sales, with over 18.5 million acres now available.

Environmental rollbacks, including EPA methane compliance delays and SEC climate disclosure rule abandonment, further benefit operations. However, Democrats introduced the End Polluter Welfare Act of 2025 and Arctic Refuge Protection Act in opposition.

The Bottom Line

ConocoPhillips’ strategic lobbying capitalizes on Republican-controlled Congress advancing pro-energy legislation while Democrats push opposing measures. The company’s experienced team, including former Senate counsel Kevin Avery, positions it to influence major legislative battles over tax benefits, permitting reform, and Alaska development in an increasingly favorable political environment.