The Meat Lobby Outspent Animal Rights Groups, Climate Groups, and Scientists, spending around $200 million in 2023

The Meat Lobby’s Outsized Influence is Undermining Climate Action

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The meat and livestock industries in the United States have spent staggering sums of money to influence legislation and policy, far outpacing the spending of their rivals in the animal rights, environmental, and scientific communities. This outsized influence is a major obstacle to addressing the significant climate impact of animal agriculture.

According to research, the meat lobby has spent around $200 million to influence legislation in the U.S. alone over the past two decades. This includes lobbying efforts by major industry groups like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Pork Producers Council, and North American Meat Institute.

In comparison, the spending by animal rights groups, climate organizations, and scientific bodies on these issues has been dwarfed by the meat industry’s financial clout. This lopsided…