Every single dollar spent lobbying a legislator on behalf of oil and gas is a toxic dollar that undermines public health and safety laws that protect Americans. That's contamination of the political system.

The quote by Josh Fox highlights the negative impact of lobbying by the oil and gas industry on the political system. Fox argues that every dollar spent by the industry to influence legislators is harmful because it can undermine crucial public health and safety laws designed to protect Americans. He views these lobbying efforts as a form of contamination, suggesting that they pollute the political process and distort the priorities of lawmakers.

Fox, a filmmaker known for his work on environmental issues, particularly the documentary Gasland, has been a vocal critic of the oil and gas industry's influence on politics. He believes that lobbying efforts by powerful industries like oil and gas often prioritize profit over the well-being of the public. The quote reflects his concern that corporate interests can overpower the needs of the people, especially when it comes to critical issues like environmental protection and public health.

The idea of contamination in the quote is metaphorical, pointing to the idea that money and influence from industries like oil and gas can corrupt the integrity of the legislative process. Fox suggests that these financial contributions to political campaigns or lawmaking efforts distort democratic decision-making and may lead to weakened regulations that fail to protect citizens adequately.

In essence, the quote underscores the belief that lobbying by powerful corporations can lead to policy outcomes that prioritize corporate interests over the public good, which could have dangerous consequences for the environment and public safety. Fox's message is a call for greater transparency and accountability in politics to ensure that laws serve the interests of the people rather than special interests.