Industry Group Pays Politicians to Promote Natural Gas as Affordable Energy

A coalition known as Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future is employing former Democratic politicians to promote natural gas as a critical component of the transition to clean energy, specifically targeting moderate and left-leaning voters in blue and purple states.

The group, which was established in 2020, seeks to redefine natural gas as the most affordable and reliable energy source. To achieve this, the organization hires former Democratic leaders to leverage their reputations and political connections to advocate for industry priorities, including permitting reform legislation.

Funding and Corporate Backing

Natural Allies is funded by several major energy companies and utilities. Identified funders include the fracking company EQT, the gas utility Enbridge, and the liquefied natural gas provider Venture Global. Other funding members include the Williams Companies and Kinder Morgan.

Financial records indicate a significant increase in the group’s revenue. In 2020, the organization’s revenue was $1.75 million, which grew to $9.1 million by 2022. Over its first three years of operation, Natural Allies generated a total of $15.6 million.

Political Influence and Recruitment

The organization utilizes a leadership council composed of former Democratic officials. This council includes former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and former Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan. In Pennsylvania, Eugene DePasquale, the current chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, serves as the state chairman for Natural Allies.

Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter has also worked on behalf of the group. Nutter’s advisory firm was paid $240,000 in 2024 for his services. During a discussion at the Fitler Club regarding the path to a clean energy future, Nutter argued that energy must be reliable and affordable, stating that the transition to clean energy should be built on gas.

Public Relations and Advertising Expenditures

A substantial portion of the group’s budget is dedicated to public relations and digital outreach. Over a three-year period, Natural Allies spent $10.4 million on public relations. Of that amount, more than $8.9 million was paid to Omnicom, the parent company of Mercury Public Affairs, which served as the lead firm for the launch of Natural Allies.

The group’s digital strategy included the use of social media to reach a wide audience. Between 2020 and 2024, Natural Allies spent up to $1.2 million on more than 2,000 advertisements across Facebook and Instagram, which generated between 61 million and 72 million impressions.

Broader Political Spending

While Natural Allies focuses on influencing Democratic constituencies, its corporate funders maintain broad political spending patterns. Since 2020, political action committees and super PACs associated with the corporate funders of Natural Allies have spent $3.5 million on federal political races, with 79 percent of those funds directed toward Republicans.

nine top executives from member companies of Natural Allies have contributed nearly $921,000 to federal political action committees and campaigns since 2020.