Regrettably, there is no shortage of environmental concerns in our country. As long as people continue to pollute our air and water, cut down forests, develop land, and mine the earth, environmental groups will continue to fight for legislation that will protect our natural resources. 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. Some administrations are more sensitive to environmental issues. Others are not. For example George W. Bush’s administration was generally considered weak on environmental issues. It received a great deal of criticism on several environmental issues, including the rejection of the Kyoto Protocol on global warming, the proposal to drill for oil in protected areas of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, and overturning a ruling to reduce arsenic levels in drinking water by 80 percent. Activists felt President Barack Obama’s administration provided more protection to the environment, although many believe it did not do enough. As of fall 2019, President Donald Trump's administration had rolled back more than 50 environmental rules and regulations, according to a New York Times analysis, based on research from Columbia Law School, Harvard Law School, and other sources. More than 30 others were in the process of being eliminated. 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.

Environmental Lobbyists

Overview

Introduction

Quick Facts

Earnings

Work Environment

Outlook

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