Summary

As climate change is progressing at rapid speed, the decarbonization of society is increasingly important. While some sectors have been decarbonizing relatively successfully, the industrial sector still has a long way to go.  The energy intensive industries (EIIs) which produce basic materials such as steel, cement, fertilizers, aluminum, pulp and plastics, account for around 20% of  global greenhouse gas emissions. The deep decarbonization of EIIs is a central requirement to achieving the climate objectives of the Paris Agreement. This book chapter explores the influence of industry actors on decarbonization policymaking and sets out to examine the state-industry relationship and how industry actors can work to lower policy ambitions. It approaches the current debate on carbon lock-in from an institutionalist perspective.

This book chapter no 33 is published in The Handbook of Lobbying and Public Policy.

Interest groups access to policymakers

Despite the fact that energy intensive industries are major global emitters, the process of decarbonization is progressing very slowly.  Due to the economic strength of the sector and their importance for job provision, these industries have a unique position in many states, and industry actors therefore have considerable influence over policymakers. Interest groups are found to influence policymaking in democratic states through a range of different pathways, however a determining factor on both the level of influence and the measures used is the access they have to the policymaking process. 

Key Messages

• Interest groups use different strategies to influence policymaking depending on the political- economic structure in place.
• In corporatist states, interest groups have institutionalized access to policy makers so can rely more on dialogue and consultation.
• In pluralist states, a. more public approach to lobbying is employed to sway pubic opinion and rely on political allies.
• Carbon lock-ins are reinforced through the organized links between industry actors and political parties, referred to as the double representation of carbon polluters.

Conclusions

Political ties can make it difficult to to regulate the EIIs, as parties on both the left and right side of the political spectrum are concerned about the economic consequences and job loss caused by provoking powerful industry actors. Instead, governments avoid regulatory measures and provide protective measures to ensure the interests of EIIs are secure. Whilst the process of decarbonizing the EIIs is progressing too slowly, some steps have been taken. Roadmaps and green industrial policies dominate as steering mechanisms on the national level, and global governance functions as a useful tool and guidance for policymakers. The input of industry actors, and other interest groups is highlighted as important for the longevity and stability of the transition in the industrial sector.

Citation

Minas, E. (2024). Industry actors influence on policymaking in democratic states: the energy intensive industries, chapter 33, DOI: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781800884717.00043 in Coen, D., & Katsaitis, A. (eds), The Handbook of Lobbying and Public Policy, pp. 152–65. Edward Elgar Publishing, ISBN: 978 1 80088 470 0. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781800884717.00020.