Oil companies ramped up lobbying to block California mandate

Lobbying reports show the major group representing oil companies in California ramped up spending this fall ahead of a crucial vote on climate change legislation.

The Western States Petroleum Association reported Monday that it spent $6.75 million lobbying lawmakers in the third quarter of 2015, nearly six times more than in the previous two quarters.

Gov. Jerry Brown and Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon blamed oil companies for killing a part of the legislation that would have cut petroleum use in half by 2030.

Oil interests targeted moderate Democrats.

The oil industry group reported paying for three lawmakers to stay at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay two weeks after the vote on SB350.

The scaled-back law boosts renewable electricity use and makes existing buildings more energy-efficient.