Direct Lobbying Transparency
| Overall Assessment | Comment | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive | Boston Scientific provides a highly transparent account of its climate-related lobbying. It names several identifiable policies it has engaged on, including Minnesota’s renewable portfolio standard and associated goal of “10 % solar electricity generation by 2030,” the Irish Government’s “Climate Action Plan” to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, and state proposals in Massachusetts covering “net metering caps,” “energy efficiency” legislation and a prospective “carbon tax,” as well as federal advocacy for cap-and-trade and carbon pricing. The company is equally clear about how and where it lobbies. It describes direct outreach through its “Government Affairs department in Washington, DC that lobbies federal policymakers on issues that are related to climate change,” testimony to the “Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action,” partnership work with the State of Minnesota, engagement with Massachusetts policymakers, participation in consultations on Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, and indirect work through trade groups such as the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland, eHeat Ireland, the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. By identifying these mechanisms and the specific governmental bodies targeted, the company demonstrates detailed disclosure of its lobbying channels. Boston Scientific also makes its objectives explicit. It seeks to help Minnesota reach its 10 % solar goal, to “lift the net metering cap” in Massachusetts, to secure “increased support for clean energy generation and energy efficiency” and nationwide “cap and trade and carbon tax solutions,” and has provided “recommendations for effective implementation of measures to support the transition to electrified industrial heating in Ireland.” These statements clearly set out the concrete policy changes the company is advocating. Taken together, the company offers comprehensive transparency across the policies it lobbies, the mechanisms it uses, and the outcomes it pursues. | 4 |