New Research: Chevron Now Biggest Backer of California's Prop 26

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Chevron is wielding its record profits this election season, but not where many analysts would have expected.  The San Ramon, California-based company has become the biggest backer of California Proposition 26, with donations totaling 4 million dollars.

Unlike many of its oil and gas counterparts, who are spending millions to pass the more well known Proposition 23, Chevron declared its neutrality on 23, opting instead to put its money behind the Yes on Prop 26/No on 25 campaigns.  The lesser known Propositions will extend California's gridlock-inducing 'super majority' to issues of state and local fee setting, a move expected to be a boon for corporations operating in the state. Also bankrolling the Yes on 26/No on 25 camp is the US Chamber of Commerce, Philip Morris, Anheuser-Busch and other companies that profit off increased government gridlock.

"Chevron is smarter than the Koch brothers, but they share the same agenda," said Steve Kretzmann of Oil Change International, a research and advocacy organization focused on the fossil fuel industry.  "Chevron has avoided the full frontal assault of Prop 23, and instead focused on Prop 26, its stealthier twin."

Chevron has given $3.75 million to the Yes on 26/No on 25 PAC and has indirectly further supported the initiative by funneling $250,000 to the California Business PAC, which is the second largest supporter of Prop 26.

Oil Change International released a suite of online tools this year to track oil and gas industry donations to propositions and Representatives (http://prop26.dirtyenergymoney.com/).

"Rather than accept that it must clean up its toxic practices in Richmond, California, Ecuador and around the world, Chevron is pouring millions of dollars into slick advertising and political campaigns to convince people and politicians to look the other way," said Maria Ramos of Rainforest Action Network's Change Chevron Campaign. " We won't allow Chevron's influence to gloss over the human rights abuses and environmental degradation that is the legacy of Chevron's operations around the world."

For a list of Members of Congress who Chevron has and is currently supporting, go here: http://bit.ly/9PXopK.

SOURCE Oil Change International