API Campaign Attacks Climate Policy

Partially based on a leaked memorandum acquired by Greenpeace, the New York Times published a story today on how the American Petroleum Institute is bussing oil company employees to rallies to gain political support against passage of climate legislation. The memo, written by API president Jack Gerard, highlights 21 states where, over the next few weeks before Congress is back in session, rallies will be scheduled and employees of the industry will voice their concern over an industry that will be impacted by passage of a climate bill. The memo states that API is contracting with "a highly experienced events management company that has produced successful rallies for presidential campaigns, corporations and interest groups." The 21 venues, according to the memo, include:

Houston TX
Perry GA
Detroit MI
Roswell NM
Greensboro NC
Farmington NM
Ohio (venue being finalized)
Greeley CO
Nashville TN
Indiana (venue being finalized)
Bismarck ND
Tampa FL
Sioux Falls SD
Greenville SC
Anchorage AK
Joliet IL
Charleston WV
Fairfax VA
Philadelphia PA
Lincoln NE
Missouri - To Be Determined
Arkansas - TBD


In a response, Greenpeace USA executive director Phil Radford wrote to Gerard calling him out on how the memo goes against agreements made by many of API's members through the US Climate Action Partnership, a coalition of corporations and environmental organizations that have worked together to support climate policy.

This campaign presents an excellent opportunity to generate further dialogue on the benefits that passing climate legislation represents. Not only has there been ample research showing job growth within the manufacturing sector, but these are jobs that work to develop a sustainable economy based on clean energy. Rather than continued dependence on oil, and the health and environmental implications that this dependence reeps, efficiency and clean energy can transform the economy towards a sustainable model. Granted, these are not the only changes that need to be made in our economy, but they are a crucial step towards minimizing the impacts of climate change.

The API memo also points out that it is not alone in its dissent. Other organizations, such as the Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Manufacturers, the trucking industry, the agricultural sector, consumer groups, small businesses, and many others pledged to have their membership join in the events in states where they have a strong presence, the memo states. API is, of course, thinking of its bottom line, which is to continue to sell as much petroleum as it can. These other industries are following along the same mode of thought.

Rather than trying to counter the arguments made by these groups, the environmental community should continue concentrating on the benefits that outweigh the costs of action on climate change. Hopefully, the environmental community will take this opportunity to promote dialogue in these same locations, showing that support for a green, clean economy is real and will not be swayed by misinformation and scare tactics.