Top Dem Super PAC Hits DeSantis Over Natural Gas as Its Leaders Rake in Cash From Gas Industry

A super PAC associated with the progressive movement, American Bridge 21st Century, has accused the governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, of being “bad for the environment” due to his backing of natural gas. However, this criticism may be considered hypocritical, given that the super PAC’s leaders operate the consulting company ABI Associates, which earns from lobbying for the gas industry.

American Bridge 21st Century launched a website on Monday attacking DeSantis’ support for natural gas, the use of fracking, and backing of projects like Keystone XL pipeline. The PAC, which has spent $100 million to support President Joe Biden, noted that they were “coming for” DeSantis and that the governor’s environmental policies have contributed to rising concerns over climate change.

However, American Bridge 21st Century has received payment worth $240,000 since 2021 from the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, a trade organization which represents 26 natural gas firms accounting for the majority of gas transportation in the country. This association also includes TC Energy, the company responsible for the Keystone XL pipeline, and has long been criticized by progressives. Despite this, ABI Associates, launched by American Bridge co-founder Bradley Beychok, has been working for the trade organization. Democratic operative James Carville advises both the super PAC and ABI Associates.

American Bridge 21st Century highlighted claims that natural gas drilling may result in toxic hydrogen sulfide emissions, as well as criticizing DeSantis for his support of fracking. The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America has lobbied heavily against regulation of fracking.

ABI Associates operates in areas beyond the gas industry, such as media spinning services for various clients. Recently, the consulting firm registered as a lobbyist for Greenfield Louisiana LLC, an agricultural company seeking to construct a shipping terminal on the Mississippi River in Louisiana. Many civil rights groups have called for federal civil rights inquiries into the Greenfield Louisiana terminal, claiming it would destroy historic slave sites and contribute to “environmental racism.”

American Bridge 21st Century launched its campaign criticizing DeSantis in response to the expectation that he will run for president in the next election. Democrats are deeply concerned that DeSantis may pose a significant challenge to both Donald Trump and Joe Biden.