BIG OIL from the Cabinet Act

Senate Bill

S. 170

119th Congress

BIG OIL from the Cabinet Act

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 21, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Edward J. Markey

Senator

Democratic

MA

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Summary

This bill prohibits appointing former fossil fuel executives, lobbyists, or trade association officers to specified federal positions for 10 years after leaving industry. Covered positions include White House Chief of Staff, EPA Administrator, and Secretaries of Energy, Transportation, and State, plus political appointments in related agencies. The bill aims to prevent fossil fuel industry influence over energy and environmental policy.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill prohibits appointing former fossil fuel executives, lobbyists, or trade association officers to specified federal positions for 10 years after leaving industry. Covered positions include White House Chief of Staff, EPA Administrator, and Secretaries of Energy, Transportation, and State, plus political appointments in related agencies. The bill aims to prevent fossil fuel industry influence over energy and environmental policy.

Last updated: 1/4/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Banning In Government Oil Industry Lobbyists from the Cabinet Act or the BIG OIL from the Cabinet ActThis bill prohibits the appointment of an individual to specified high-level federal positions if that individual has served as an executive officer of a fossil fuel entity, a fossil fuel lobbyist, or an executive officer of a fossil fuel trade association in the previous 10 years.The applicable federal positions include the Chief of Staff to the President, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of State, and all political appointments in specified agencies.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

10-year cooling off period for fossil fuel executives
Covers cabinet positions and political appointments
Applies to EPA, Energy, Transportation, State leadership
Includes lobbyists and trade association officers
Targets conflict of interest in energy policy

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This legislation targets the revolving door between fossil fuel companies and government. Supporters argue industry executives cannot objectively regulate their former employers or address climate change. Critics contend it unfairly excludes qualified individuals with relevant experience and could apply similar logic to any industry. The bill reflects concerns about corporate influence in environmental governance.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Related Subjects

Coal

Executive agency funding and structure

Federal officials

Oil and gas

Public participation and lobbying

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

170, 119th Congress (2025). "BIG OIL from the Cabinet Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-170