The article reports that Alberta Premier Danielle Smith lobbied on behalf of Big Oil through the 'RStar' scheme, which resulted in the government forgiving $100 million in royalty payments. This move is seen as a clear instance of corporate influence on public policy favoring Big Oil at the expense of broader public and democratic interests.

Big Oil companies contributed more than $54.2 million to GOP-linked super PACs during the 2023-24 election cycle, part of an overall industry spending exceeding $152 million on campaign contributions. The donations largely benefited Republican candidates, reinforcing significant corporate influence in American electoral politics and indirectly supporting policies aligned with authoritarian interests.

A joint bicameral staff report released on April 30, 2024, reveals that Big Oil has engaged in a decades-long campaign of climate denial, disinformation, and doublespeak. The report documents deceptive business practices, greenwashing, and extensive lobbying efforts aimed at obstructing climate action and misleading the public about the safety of fossil fuels, particularly natural gas.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch reports reveal that petrochemical plants owned by Big Oil companies, including ExxonMobil and Shell, are emitting toxic pollutants in Texas and Louisiana. These pollutants are linked to severe health issues and environmental racism affecting predominantly marginalized communities.

A Center for American Progress report accuses Big Oil of using massive financial and lobbying power to obstruct climate policies, spread deceptive information, and undermine democratic processes. The report details tactics including lobbying, misinformation, greenwashing, and astroturfing.

A US judge ordered ExxonMobil to pay nearly $290,000 to a plaintiff's lawyer following a botched deposition in a lawsuit over alleged human rights abuses in Aceh, Indonesia. While the company denies any awareness of the violations, the ruling raises questions about Big Oil's broader practices regarding the protection of indigenous rights and accountability in politically repressive contexts.

A staff memo released by Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney and the Committee on Oversight and Reform reveals that major oil companies, while publicly endorsing climate reforms, spent hundreds of millions lobbying primarily to preserve tax breaks rather than support the Paris Agreement or carbon pricing legislation. The analysis shows an overwhelming focus on tax-related lobbying contrasted with negligible efforts on remedying climate change.

The article details how BP, representing Big Oil, engaged in a long-term strategic deal with Russia’s TNK in 2003, which contributed to funding and stabilizing Putin’s autocratic regime. The partnership provided economic support to a regime marked by increasing authoritarianism despite known ethical and climate concerns.