Public Policy Engagement

Overview
We believe that over the months and years ahead, governments – federal, state/provincial and local – will continue to act upon the issue of global climate change. In order to succeed in a low carbon economy, ConocoPhillips must play a constructive role in public policy dialogue to devise practical, equitable and cost-effective approaches to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and address the impacts of climate change.

Effective Climate Change Policy
The company climate change position outlines our principles of effective climate change policy.

These principles continue to guide our engagement on climate change policy in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and other countries in which we operate. We work with trade associations, industry peers and other key stakeholders in efforts to align the policymaking process with our positions and principles.

United States Climate Change Policy
The U.S. needs coordinated policies on energy and climate. In 2007, we became the first U.S.-based integrated energy company to publicly support a mandatory national framework in the U.S. to address GHG emissions. Since that time, we have worked with trade associations like the American Petroleum Institute (API), industry partners and the government to advocate smart policy solutions. We remain opposed to less efficient, costlier and less environmentally effective policy approaches. These include using existing environmental statutes (e.g. the Clean Air Act), or developing a patchwork of state programs and technology mandates that imply targets must be met at any cost. We will continue to work constructively on effective, fit-for-purpose federal solutions to address climate change while ensuring the continued supply of affordable energy necessary for economic recovery and growth.

Our company’s approach to public policy engagement on climate change has evolved as the policy debate has changed. However, we remain consistent in our advocacy for effective market-based solutions at national and global levels, rather than a patchwork of less effective regulatory approaches. Through our membership in the US Climate Action Partnership (USCAP) beginning in 2007 (ConocoPhillips Joins USCAP), the company actively participated in efforts to design an effective legislative approach. In June, 2009, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (HR2454)(Waxman-Markey) bill passed the House of Representatives.

Although the USCAP Blueprint for Legislative Action was considered influential in the design of the legislation, we had serious concerns about some of the detailed elements in the bill(Company Statement on House Bill). Following passage of the House bill, our focus turned to addressing issues of concern in the Senate version of the legislation. In order to intensify our company’s focus and resources on addressing the key issues, including the important role that natural gas can play in reducing U.S. GHG emissions, we announced in February 2010 that the company would not be renewing our membership in USCAP (ConocoPhillips Intensifies Climate Focus). Through this more direct engagement, we were successful in helping to develop draft legislation that incorporated a more equitable approach to energy sectors while maintaining environmental effectiveness. We issued a statement regarding the draft legislation introduced in the Senate in May 2010 (Company Commends Senate Approach).

Since 2010, we’ve continued to work toward approaches that are practical and effective, including active participation in the dialog at trade associations in which we are a member. Meanwhile, in parallel with public policy engagement, we continue taking action to equip our company to succeed in a lower-emission world, reduce our GHG emissions, pursue lower-carbon business opportunities, and leverage carbon trading and technology. Our Corporate and Business Unit Climate Change Action Plans include operational improvements, and provide focus and accountability for our actions.