Energy Diary: Oil and gas industry increases advertising spending after LNG pause, China reaches renewable energy target and AFPM launches campaign against Harris

What’s up: Groups such as the American Petroleum Institute and the Texas Oil & Gas Association have spent more than $140,000 on over 100 ads promoting LNG, according to an analysis by climate think tank InfluenceMap. The ads have generated more than 8.5 million views.

Why this is important: Many of the ads condemn or praise politicians – depending on how they align with industry interests – and run in states that could determine the November election, such as Pennsylvania. A disproportionate share of these ads run in the Washington metropolitan area, where politicians and industry representatives are based.

In addition, many of the ads promote LNG as a climate solution, arguing that the disruption threatens domestic job security and strengthens opponents abroad. InfluenceMap’s analysis refutes these narratives, highlighting that LNG contributes to climate change by releasing potent greenhouse gases like methane. The report also claims that the LNG disruption could accelerate investment in renewable energy in Europe – seeking to refute the claim that the disruption could force the region to rely on energy supplies from adversaries like Russia.

Who else is behind the ads: In addition to the groups mentioned above, the American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC), the US Chamber of Commerce and the PAGE Coalition were identified as the largest spenders on LNG advertising in recent months. The analysis found that the groups had not run any ads related to LNG for six months before the pause, suggesting a concerted attempt to influence public opinion.

Just a reminder: The Biden administration has imposed a suspension of new export permits to countries without free trade agreements to study the environmental and national security impacts of the export facilities. A federal judge overturned the Energy Department’s LNG suspension last month, handing a victory to the industry and Republican states that opposed the move. But the agency filed an appeal earlier this month to keep the suspension in place.

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CHINA REACHES RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET SIX YEARS EARLY: China has exceeded its renewable energy target six years ahead of schedule, another sign that the world’s biggest polluter is overtaking other nations in the clean energy sector.

Bloomberg China reached a total capacity of 1,206 gigawatts of renewable energy in July, according to a statement from the National Energy Administration. President Xi Jinping In December 2020, it set itself the goal of providing 1,200 GW from clean energy technology by 2030.

Why this is important: China has led the world in investing in clean energy, particularly wind and solar. The growth has recently led to a decline in coal-fired power generation and may indicate that the country will peak emissions ahead of its 2030 target.

But: Consider this: Solar and wind power only generate 14% of the country’s electricity so far this year, and more efforts are needed to increase the share of renewables on the grid. Read more here.

AFPM LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN AGAINST HARRIS: The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers are launching an advertising campaign with Kamala Harris‘ earlier 2019 presidential platform, claiming she would ban gasoline-powered cars if she won the White House in November.

The ads: The television spots, titled “Driver’s Seat,” claim that Harris will “enforce the extreme standards of her home state of California” and seek to end the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035.

“This policy will drive us right over the cliff,” the ad says.

The ad campaign calls on lawmakers facing re-election in contested elections to put an end to the scheme. The message was distributed in Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

“Unless the Vice President says otherwise, we must assume that she still stands for everything that was in her political plan for 2019 and for every policy she supported as a Senator,” Chet ThompsonPresident and CEO of AFPM, said in a statement.

Why this is important: The ad campaign is part of an eight-figure investment by the group to make a statement against the Biden administration’s efforts to curb gasoline cars as the culture war over electric vehicles continues to take shape ahead of the 2024 election.

To be clear: Federal regulations and policies do not currently ban gasoline-powered cars, but aim to phase them out. The EPA has adopted stricter tailpipe emissions standards that are expected to save more than 7 billion tons of carbon emissions. The agency estimates that in 2032, fully electric cars will account for 56% of new car sales, while hybrids will account for another 13%.

A look back into history: In 2019, then-Senator Harris said she would work to ensure that 100% of passenger vehicles sold would be zero-emissions by 2035. She would do this with a range of incentives, including expanding the electric vehicle tax credit and establishing a new “Cash for Clunkers” program.

Volcanic eruption in Iceland triggers fear of environmental pollution: The consequences of a volcanic eruption in Iceland raise concerns about environmental pollution, Reuters Outlines, hours after the danger forced an evacuation of a health resort.

Lava and smoke first erupted from the volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula on Thursday, with much of the eruption continuing into the second day. The volcano’s output has slowed since then. Rikke PedersenHead of the Nordic Volcanology Centre, told the publication.

The weather service warned that pollution from the volcano could be carried by the wind.

Further episodes: The Blue Lagoon Spa, with its large outdoor geothermal pools near the volcano, was evacuated on Thursday and remained closed on Friday. 1,300 guests and staff were in the spa.

Lava flowed out of the volcano at a rate of 2,000 cubic meters per second. The volcano has erupted six times since December. Read more here.

RUN DOWN

Bloomberg: Harris ignores climate change even as her party touts Green victories

E&E News Companies with climate plans pay lower interest rates – study

Financial Times The global lobbying power of major agricultural corporations