BP to leave three trade associations following review of climate policies
Oil and gas giant BP has announced plans to leave three US-based trade associations, following a review of the company’s alignment with the organisations’ climate-related policies.
The decision to leave the associations – American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, the Western States Petroleum Association and the Western Energy Alliance – comes after BP announced plans to become net zero by 2050 or sooner earlier in February.
In its commitment, BP also introduced 10 aims that will underpin its net zero ambition, which include the aim to set new expectations for relationships with trade associations around the world.
“Trade associations have long demonstrated how we can make progress through collaboration, particularly in areas such as safety, standards and training,” commented Bernard Looney, CEO of BP. “This approach should also be brought to bear on the defining challenge that faces us all – supporting the rapid transition to a low carbon future. By working together, we can achieve so much more.
“BP will pursue opportunities to work with organisations who share our ambitious and progressive approach to the energy transition. And when differences arise we will be transparent. But if our views cannot be reconciled, we will be prepared to part company.
“My hope is that in the coming years we can add climate to the long list of areas where, as an industry, we work together for a greater good.”
BP has spent the past six months reviewing how key trade associations’ climate-related activities and policy positions align with those of BP. A total of 30 associations, concentrated in North America, Europe and Australia, were chosen for review, with the current and recent policy positions assessed.
For the three organisations mentioned, BP found misalignments that could not be reconciled. BP has also identified another five organisations with which it is only partially aligned on climate, and has since communicated these differences to the associations.
These five associations include: the American Petroleum Institute, the Australian Institute of Petroleum, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, the National Association of Manufacturers and the US Chamber of Commerce.
The process in ongoing, with BP actively monitoring its memberships, participation and alignment with trade associations of which it is a member.
The decision to leave the associations – American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, the Western States Petroleum Association and the Western Energy Alliance – comes after BP announced plans to become net zero by 2050 or sooner earlier in February.
In its commitment, BP also introduced 10 aims that will underpin its net zero ambition, which include the aim to set new expectations for relationships with trade associations around the world.
“Trade associations have long demonstrated how we can make progress through collaboration, particularly in areas such as safety, standards and training,” commented Bernard Looney, CEO of BP. “This approach should also be brought to bear on the defining challenge that faces us all – supporting the rapid transition to a low carbon future. By working together, we can achieve so much more.
“BP will pursue opportunities to work with organisations who share our ambitious and progressive approach to the energy transition. And when differences arise we will be transparent. But if our views cannot be reconciled, we will be prepared to part company.
“My hope is that in the coming years we can add climate to the long list of areas where, as an industry, we work together for a greater good.”
BP has spent the past six months reviewing how key trade associations’ climate-related activities and policy positions align with those of BP. A total of 30 associations, concentrated in North America, Europe and Australia, were chosen for review, with the current and recent policy positions assessed.
For the three organisations mentioned, BP found misalignments that could not be reconciled. BP has also identified another five organisations with which it is only partially aligned on climate, and has since communicated these differences to the associations.
These five associations include: the American Petroleum Institute, the Australian Institute of Petroleum, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, the National Association of Manufacturers and the US Chamber of Commerce.
The process in ongoing, with BP actively monitoring its memberships, participation and alignment with trade associations of which it is a member.
