Valero brings on new firm for RFS fight

Source: Kevin Bogardus, E&E reporter • Posted: Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Valero Energy Corp. has bolstered its K Street team.

The independent petroleum refining giant has hired Crossroads Strategies LLC to lobby on issues related to the renewable fuel standard, according to lobbying disclosure records released by the Senate this week.

Nearly a dozen lobbyists at the firm are working on behalf of Valero, including John Green, once deputy chief of staff to former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.); Stewart Hall, former legislative director to Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.); and Jake Perry, once a legislative aide and political adviser to Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.).

Crossroads’ registration shows the firm has been working on behalf of the company since Sept. 1.

Valero is embroiled in a lobbying battle over U.S. EPA’s actions under the RFS. The company has long been pushing for changes (Greenwire, June 14).

Crossroads joins a number of firms lobbying for the refining company, including Bracewell LLP and former Arkansas Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln’s firm, Lincoln Policy Group.

Valero has spent $730,000 on lobbying so far this year, according to records.

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