Democrats’ ESG Drive Fuels Lobbying Bonanza in Washington

Environmental, social, and governance lobbying has more than doubled in the past year, as newly-in-charge Democrats push for companies to be more transparent and accountable on issues such as climate change, diversity efforts, and political activities.

More than 40 companies, trade associations and advocacy groups have lobbied federal officials on ESG matters so far in 2021, compared to only about 20 in the first quarter of 2020, according to a Bloomberg Law review of public reports. BlackRock Inc., PepsiCo Inc., and ConocoPhillips Co. were among the companies that disclosed ESG lobbying efforts for the first time as President ...