Why it matters

The oil giant’s spending signals its strategic prioritization of shaping policies critical to both its traditional operations and its pivot toward lower-emission technologies.

By the numbers

  • $4.49 million: Total Q1 2025 lobbying expenditure
  • 13%: Increase from Q4 2024 spending
  • 2: New lobbying firms added (Rubin, Turnbull & Associates and Steptoe LLP)

Behind the lobbying team

Exxon employs a hybrid approach with internal lobbyists and specialized external firms:

  • Veteran players: The team includes Michael Dennis Bloomquist (active since 1999), whose experience as Chief Counsel for the House Science Committee and STaff Director/General Counsel for House Energy and Commerce provides critical insight into committees handling Exxon’s key issues.
  • Strategic additions: Ryan G. Ethington, newly registered in Q1, brings valuable Joint Economic Committee experience as a former Senior Policy Adviser.

Driving the issues

Exxon’s lobbying portfolio reflects a dual strategy — protecting core fossil fuel interests while positioning itself for the energy transition:

  • Carbon management technologies: Heavy focus on carbon capture and storage (CCS), including specific projects like the Houston Carbon Capture and Storage Innovation Zone
  • Clean energy incentives: Implementation of energy tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (PL 117-169), especially for hydrogen, CCS, and sustainable aviation fuels
  • Permitting reform: Streamlining approvals for energy infrastructure, including Class VI wells crucial for carbon injection
  • Tax policy: Engaging on international tax rules, extension of business tax credits (H.R. 7024), and TCJA tax provisions set to expire after 2025
  • Regulatory protection: Lobbying on S. 985, the PROTECT USA Act, which aims to shield U.S. companies from EU sustainability directives

The competitive landscape

Other major players lobbying on overlapping legislation include:

  • Budget resolution (S. Con. Res. 7): AARP, Lockheed Martin, and General Dynamics
  • EU regulatory protection (S. 985): Zurich American Insurance

Bottom line

Exxon’s lobbying investment demonstrates the company sees both significant opportunities and threats in the current policy environment, particularly around energy transition technologies that will shape its future business model. The focus on implementation of existing laws (IRA, IIJA) alongside new legislation highlights how policy battles extend beyond bill passage into the regulatory arena.

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