Environmental Lobbyists

There is no shortage of environmental concerns in the United States, often represented by environmental groups that work to protect air and water from pollution and conserve resources as businesses cut down forests for timber, develop land for housing and industry, and mine the earth for manufacturing. This profession is, therefore, expected to grow about as fast as the average during the next decade.

The nation’s economy can affect environmental protection organizations, which are largely funded by donations. During recessions, people may not be able to give as generously to not-for-profit organizations. Environmental protection organizations may, in turn, be forced to cut back on their lobbying efforts.

The nation’s presidential administration also affects the work of environmental lobbyists and the organizations or causes they represent. Administrations take different approaches to environmental issues. George W. Bush’s administration received criticism on issues such as rejecting the Kyoto Protocol on global warming, proposals to drill for oil in areas of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, and overturning a ruling to reduce arsenic levels in drinking water by 80 percent. Environmental activists preferred the policies of Barack Obama’s administration, but many believed it did not do enough. Some environmental policies and regulations were changed or reduced during Donald Trump's first administration. Joseph Biden's administration restored some and implemented new ones. Environmental rules may change based on the policies of each new presidential administration as new officials evaluate evolving needs and modify regulations. This suggests that there is still a strong need for environmental lobbyists to influence executive and legislative decisions at the national, state, and local levels.