TITLE:
Environmental CSR and the U.S. Oil and Gas Leasing Program*
AUTHORS:
Jiya Mehta
KEYWORDS:
Climate Science, Fossil Fuel Energy, Alternative Fuels, Environmental Effects on Ecosystems, Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Finance
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Industrial and Business Management,
Vol.15 No.10,
October
15,
2025
ABSTRACT: The paper examines current literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR), focusing on corporate performance on the environment. It explores how financial incentives can be tied to CSR goals to ensure corporations follow through on their commitments to environmental protection and sustainability. The fossil fuel sector is one of the primary drivers of climate change. This paper further assesses how CSR principles and business ethics might be applied to the federal government’s oil and gas leasing program. By incorporating CSR-linked financial mechanisms such as executive compensation, green bonds, and climate-focused loans, policymakers can encourage firms to invest in renewable energy, reduce emissions, and adopt sustainable practices. This analysis highlights the potential for public policy to align economic incentives with environmental stewardship, promoting a more sustainable energy sector while supporting responsible corporate governance. The federal leasing decisions and programs can affect the scale of US emissions. We believe that further evaluation of this program will help reduce emission, increase appropriate investments in green energy and align public policies.