Following an in-depth review examining the climate-related policies and activities of trade associations, BP has announced it will leave three US-based organisations – American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) and the Western Energy Alliance (WEA). 

In February, BP introduced its ambition to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner and to help the world get to net zero, as well as 10 aims that underpin it. These include the aim to set new expectations for relationships with trade associations around the globe. The continuing engagement with these organisations on climate is also part of this aim.

BP CEO Bernard Looney said trade associations have long demonstrated how progress can be made through collaboration, particularly in areas such as safety, standards and training.

“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.”

Mr Looney said BP will pursue opportunities to work with organisations who share the company’s 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,” he said.

“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.”

Over the past six months, BP has conducted a review of how key trade associations’ climate-related activities and policy positions align with BP’s positions. 30 associations – concentrated in North America, Europe and Australia – were selected for review and their current and recent policy positions, based on publicly available information, were assessed. As a result, they were determined to be aligned, partially aligned or not aligned with BP’s positions.

For three organisations, BP found misalignments that could not be reconciled. Due to material differences regarding policy positions on carbon pricing BP will leave American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) and the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA). Due to material differences around the federal regulation of methane, as well as asset divestments in the states in which the organisation is active, it will not renew its membership with the Western Energy Alliance (WEA).

BP has identified a further five organisations with which it is only partially aligned on climate. BP has communicated these differences to these associations.

BP has also communicated clear expectations with regards to climate positions and transparency to all associations within scope of the review.

BP will actively monitor its memberships, participation and alignment with trade associations to which it belongs and will provide periodic updates, internally to the board of directors and to stakeholders as appropriate. BP plans to undertake another review in around two years’ time.