Twelve ex-staffers of Montana Sen. Max Baucus now work as lobbyists with direct interest in the Senate climate bill. Guess who’s Mr. Popular?
Last week we mused about Baucus’ lone committee vote against the Senate Democrats climate change bill that would exempt agribusiness from any accountability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Was Max just being mavericky Max?
The Sunlight Foundation notes there may be a much more cynical tale to be told about that vote and future ones as Senate Finance chair:
Baucus will likely have a lot of input coming in from outside his office as twelve of his former staffers, including four former chiefs of staff, work as lobbyists for organizations with an explicit interest in climate legislation.
These twelve lobbyists represent a large cross-section of industries, from airlines to railroads and oil producers to solar energy companies. The diversity of organizations also brings a diversity in positions on the underlying climate bill. Many of the organizations represented by former staffers of Baucus are generally supportive of a climate bill, but are seeking certain provisions to be included or not removed during the committee process. Others are engaged in outward opposition.
Read the rest of the story and check out the relationship map embedded below: The Max Baucus Energy & Climate Lobbyist Complex
