BP to quit trade bodies over climate change 'misalignment'

BP is pulling out of three American trade associations as part of its green overhaul, the British oil giant confirmed on Wednesday.

BP said it had reached the decision following an in-depth review of membership of 30 trade bodies round the world, which assessed “the alignment of the climate-related policies and activities” of the associations with its own stance on climate change."

It found it was aligned with 22, partially aligned with another five, but not with three bodies. They are: the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers; the Western States Petroleum Association; and the Western Energy Alliance.

BP has, however, retained membership of the biggest energy trade association, the American Petroleum Institute, widely regarded as is Washington’s most powerful oil lobby group.

Its chief executive, Bernard Looney, added: “Trade associations have long demonstrated how we can make progress through collaboration, particularly in areas such as safety, standards and training.

“BP will pursue opportunities to work with organisations who share our ambitious and progressive approach to energy transition. And when differences arise we will be transparent. But if our views cannot be reconciled, we will be prepared to part company.”

The move is part of BP’s commitment, announced earlier this month, to cut its own carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 or sooner.

According to the Washington Post, BP has worked closely with the three trade groups in recent years, including campaigning with the WSPA to defeat a state carbon tax in 2018. At the time, BP said it supported carbon taxes but argued that this one was flawed.