Oil and gas lobby spending in California hits new high as climate bills loom

Fossil fuel interests poured more than $17 million into California lobbying in the first half of 2026, with a record $10.3 million spent in the first quarter alone. The spending targeted legislation that would impose new costs on the industry, including a bill to make companies pay for rebuilding after climate-driven disasters. Top spenders included the Western States Petroleum Association and Chevron, according to a coalition of environmental groups.