Lobbying Efforts Surrounding Key Energy Legislation
As the U.S. Treasury navigates the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, SK Americas Inc. is actively lobbying for clarity on the clean-energy tax-credit provisions. This push comes amid ongoing discussions about the impact of the law on renewable energy incentives.
Financial Investments in Lobbying
Invariant LLC has consistently reported lobbying fees of $140,000 per quarter for SK Americas since the third quarter of 2024, maintaining this amount through the third quarter of 2026. Two other firms, Squire Patton Boggs and Chartwell Strategy Group LLC, reported $240,000 and $60,000 respectively in the third quarter of 2026. The total lobbying expenditure for the quarter currently stands at $440,000, although filings from Capitol Resources LLC and SK Americas’ in-house team are pending. SK Americas’ lobbying expenses reached $1,985,000 in the second quarter of 2026, an increase of $85,000 from the previous quarter.
Ballard Partners LLC joined the ranks of SK Americas’ lobbyists in 2026, with a new client registration listing Brian Ballard and Justin Sayfie. However, Covington & Burling LLP ceased its lobbying efforts for SK Americas after the first quarter of 2025.
Lobbyists Involved
The Invariant LLC lobbying team consists of nine members, including:
- Ken Barbic, principal/chair, with experience on the Ways and Means Committee
- Chris Gillott, principal, former advisor to Sen. Bill Cassidy and Rep. Bobby Jindal
- Nicole Venable, senior vice president, with past experience with Rep. William Jefferson
- Landon Stropko, member, formerly with Sen. Markwayne Mullin
- Kris Denzel, senior director, with experience in various congressional offices
- Sean Sweeney, director, with government experience
- Annie D’Amato, senior director, with Senate Environment and Public Works Committee experience
- Damian Ortega, government relations manager
- Ryan Dilworth, senior director, formerly with Rep. Beth Van Duyne
Impact of Legislation
Under the executive order issued on July 7, 2025, the Treasury was directed to phase out wind and solar energy incentives, as well as electric-vehicle and advanced manufacturing credits. The Sierra Club criticized the legislation, with climate-policy director Patrick Drupp declaring it “the most anti-environment bill in history.” According to Energy Innovation, utility rates could rise by 10 to 18 percent over the next decade. Conversely, the American Petroleum Institute supported the bill, suggesting it would enhance U.S. energy independence and economic growth by expanding oil and natural gas development.
The legislation also introduced a 25 percent tariff on certain semiconductor products as of January 2026. Additionally, the No Advanced Chips for the CCP Act of 2025, introduced on August 1, 2025, seeks to restrict exports of advanced AI semiconductors to China without congressional approval.
Ongoing Developments
The Treasury’s ongoing rulemaking for the clean-energy tax provisions of P.L. 119-21 continues without a specified deadline. While Invariant LLC’s lobbying fees for SK Americas have remained steady, Squire Patton Boggs has seen an increase, and Covington & Burling LLP has not participated since early 2025.
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