TRADE GROUPS

see bak 222

trade group as buffer [nb progression: no problem, 2 join GCC, outed corps bail trade gp stays], but also to get control of group means to control its resources eg pr capability (maybe nick confessore re K str)see open letter (congress testimony, petitions)see fallback BSPHRMA is a trade groupsee KNEWsee defectorshtml Wine & Spirits=trade groups well rep at COPs (esp at "side mtgs) IETA, int'l CoC etc push for market based non-binding ; note also bunch of 2ndary to API, alphabet soup accf, ippa etc<div>=</div><div>in both API and Nat Petrol Cncl:</div><div>
</div><div><a href="https://littlesis.org/person/1045-Rex_Tillerson" style="font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Rex Tillerson</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/1056-John_S_Watson" style="font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">John S Watson</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/1629-Gary_R_Heminger" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Gary R Heminger</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/1971-Ray_L_Hunt" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Ray L Hunt</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/2735-Stephen_I_Chazen" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Stephen I Chazen</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/3048-James_T_Hackett" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">James T Hackett</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/3185-Al_Walker" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Al Walker</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/3289-David_J_Lesar" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">David J Lesar</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/3800-Ralph_A_Hill" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Ralph A Hill</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/3958-J_Larry_Nichols" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">J Larry Nichols</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/4504-G_Steven_Farris" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">G Steven Farris</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/5303-Aubrey_K_McClendon" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Aubrey K McClendon</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/7338-John_T_Gremp" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">John T Gremp</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/11266-Daniel_Wayne_Rabun" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Daniel Wayne Rabun</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/12791-W_Matt_Ralls" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">W Matt Ralls</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/34811-David_J_O'Reilly" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">David J O'Reilly</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/34850-Marvin_Odum" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Marvin Odum</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/35665-Frederic_C_Hamilton" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Frederic C Hamilton</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/59566-Ryan_Michael_Lance" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Ryan Michael Lance</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/60381-David_Thomas_Seaton" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">David Thomas Seaton</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/61290-Martin_S_Craighead" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Martin S Craighead</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/61503-Alan_S_Armstrong" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Alan S Armstrong</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/74246-Corbin_Robertson" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Corbin Robertson</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/97204-Doug_Suttles" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Doug Suttles</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/100315-Robert_L_Parker_Jr" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Robert L Parker Jr</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/100417-David_W_Williams" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">David W Williams</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/100433-Jack_B_Moore" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Jack B Moore</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/100448-Virginia_B_Lazenby" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Virginia B Lazenby</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/100483-Timothy_C_Felt" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Timothy C Felt</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/118716-Robert_Douglas_Lawler" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Robert Douglas Lawler</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/119440-Greg_C_Garland" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Greg C Garland</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/143981-Lee_Tillman" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Lee Tillman</a>, <a href="https://littlesis.org/person/196240-Al_Monaco" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: " times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" box-sizing="box-sizing" border-box="border-box" text-decoration-line="text-decoration-line" none="none">Al Monaco</a></div><div>=</div>
=TRADE GROUPS KEY IN BEATING CLIMATE BILLS? EG LIEBERMAN-MARKEY 2008<h1 style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Case Study: Koch Organizations Instrumental in Dissemination of ACCF/NAM Claims</h1><div class="happen-content article-content" style=""><div class="on-page" style=""><div class="text" style=""><div class="leader" style="">The Koch web is playing a role in promoting studies that exaggerate the costs of climate policy. In 2008, the Koch-web-funded American Council on Capital Formation (ACCF) teamed up with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) to sponsor and disseminate a study of the economic impact of the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act. Every step of the way, Koch-funded anti-clean energy groups played a key role in moving the NAM/ACCF study in the media and at the grassroots level.</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><ul><li>ACCF funded and co-released the study with NAM.</li><li>ACCF disseminated the results in presentations at over a dozen <a href="http://www.yourenergyfuture.org/" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; outline: none;">"Climate Dialogues"</a> organized by the U.S. Chamber's <a href="http://www.fightcleanenergysmears.org/behind_the_smears.cfm#aeeg" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; outline: none;">Alliance for Energy and Economic Growth (AEEG)</a>.  ALSO API</li><li>The AEEG "climate dialogues" involved other organizations funded through the Koch web, including:<ul><li>The <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/en/campaigns/global-warming-and-energy/polluterwatch/koch-industries/the-heritage-foundation/" title="Greenpeace Koch Industries Heritage Foundation" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">Heritage Foundation</a> which provided <a href="http://www.michamber.com/mx/climatechange" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">speakers for some events</a>;  </li><li>Frontiers of Freedom staff and scholars <a href="http://www.desmogblog.com/history-background-research-alliance-energy-economic-growth" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">participated</a> in some of the dialogues.</li></ul></li></ul></div></div></div> </div>ACCF and Coc funded BS NERA study that sank Paris via trump=<div times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" background-color="background-color" rgb="rgb" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><div>=</div><div>AHA  note // direct mail  dark posts neg ads</div><div>ref</div><div>
</div><div><div>no lnx</div><div>
</div><div>Pharmaceutical industry likely to shatter its lobbying record as it works to shape Democrats’ spending bill</div><div>A years-long battle over prescription drug prices reaches its apex as the industry spends tens of millions to alter the plan.</div><div>
</div><div>By Yeganeh Torbati and Jonathan O'Connell </div><div>November 5, 2021 </div><div>
</div><div>
</div><div>In September, Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) began noticing mailers arriving at homes across his district, including his own and that of his parents, with an alarming message. The mailers alleged that Kim was intent on preventing Medicare patients from getting the drugs they needed.</div><div>
</div><div>That was news to Kim, who has made lowering seniors’ health-care costs and expanding their access to Medicare a signature issue. The mailer, along with a slew of digital ads and text messages, was sponsored by a group called A Healthy Future, LLC, and claimed that Kim and other New Jersey Democrats wanted to cut off “access to lifesaving medicines” and shift Medicare money into other social safety-net programs.</div><div>
</div><div>Soon after the mailers landed in New Jersey mailboxes, Kim’s office began receiving calls from puzzled constituents.</div><div>
</div><div>“I’ve been attacked before, but I’ve never seen one as egregious as this one in terms of ‘Andy Kim’s trying to cut Medicare,’” Kim said. “That’s just so absurd, and I actually think that has affected how the district has responded.”</div><div>
</div><div>Watershed or watered down? Democrats’ drug pricing deal leaves many unsatisfied.</div><div>
</div><div>Kim was certain the attacks were coming from the pharmaceutical industry, but it was hard for him to be sure. A Healthy Future’s website includes no contact information, and a message to its Facebook page went unanswered. But a nonprofit group called A Public Voice listed A Healthy Future as being under its control in its 2018 and 2019 tax filings and described the LLC’s primary activity as “supporting a vibrant health care system.”</div><div>
</div><div>A Healthy Future and its anonymous funders, it turned out, had fought previous efforts in Washington to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. According to Google digital ad data, A Healthy Future also paid for ads in fall 2020 arguing against a Trump administration attempt to address prescription drug costs.</div><div>
</div><div>Brian Newell, a spokesman for PhRMA, the pharmaceutical industry’s chief lobbying arm, when asked whether the organization had ever had any financial or other relationship with A Healthy Future or A Public Voice, said: “Like most industries and associations, PhRMA engages with groups and organizations that have a wide array of opinions and priorities, including those who do not want the government to come between patients and their medicines.” DENIAL NON-DENIAL ~ WATERGATE b&wOODWARD</div><div>
</div><div>The ads targeting Kim and others were one strand of a massive, months-long advertising, lobbying and political donation blitz undertaken by the pharmaceutical industry and its allies, perhaps the strongest of all corporate voices in Washington, to kill a Democratic proposal to lower the cost of prescription drugs by empowering the federal government to negotiate their prices.</div><div>
</div><div>That provision to control drug prices became a focal point of the $1.75 trillion spending package Democrats are trying to move through Washington. The measure was in, then out, then watered down, going through a fierce ping-pong of backroom negotiations that is likely to continue once the Senate considers the bill in coming weeks.</div><div>
</div><div>Pharmaceutical industry lobbyists defended their effort, alleging that the Democrats’ proposal would stifle research. They also said many other groups poured millions of dollars into the other side of the debate.</div><div>
</div><div>“As we’ve said repeatedly, our advocacy has focused on delivering solutions that will lower what patients pay out of pocket for prescription medicines, while opposing reforms that would ultimately leave patients trapped in a broken insurance system, restrict access to lifesaving medicines, and destroy the development of new treatments,” Newell said.</div><div>
</div><div>The influence campaign at times worked through groups whose funding sources are hidden. At least 20 different advertisements were run on television and online across the country. The advertisements were augmented by a campaign by PhRMA, which spent nearly $23 million on lobbying through the first nine months of 2021, according to data compiled by OpenSecrets, which tracks corporate spending and political influence. That puts PhRMA on track this year to beat its own spending recording of $29.3 million in 2019.</div><div>
</div><div>“The intensity right now of K Street and the deployment of lobbying and dark money is extraordinary,” said Nick Penniman, chief executive of Issue One, which advocates for transparency in Washington. “It is a frenzied state right now.”</div><div>
</div><div>The intense effort is reflective of just how much many companies have at stake in the Democrats’ evolving tax-and-spending bill. This article, which is based on interviews, documents and lobbying and ad spending data, offers a window into the efforts one sector took to shape the bill, much of which was crafted in secret.</div><div>
</div><div>The drug pricing provision agreed to by House Democrats this week does not go as far as many Democrats including Kim had hoped. But it still delivers reforms that could cut costs for millions of Americans by capping out-of-pocket spending for seniors at $2,000 a year, capping insulin costs, preventing price increases that exceed the rate of inflation, and allowing Medicare to begin negotiating prices for some drugs.</div><div>
</div><div>“What we’re trying to do is defying one of the most powerful special-interest lobby groups in Washington, D.C.,” Kim said. “The fact that we were able to get something that will meaningfully help people was important.”</div><div>
</div><div>Other industries, including tobacco and electric vehicles, have worked aggressively to pare down or reshape parts of the bill in their favor, too. But the effort to fight back on drug-price increases stands out because of the enormous scope of the campaign waged by the pharmaceutical industry and its allies, which have derailed similar proposals for the past two decades, despite how popular many of the changes are with voters, according to polling data.</div><div>
</div><div>“They’re the Goliath,” said Sheila Krumholz, executive director of OpenSecrets. She said that aside from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, of which pharmaceutical firms are members, the industry had spent more than any other by a wide margin so far this year, deploying so many lobbyists — 1,600 — that they outnumber members of Congress 3 to 1.</div><div>
</div><div>The industry made $90.6 million of political contributions during the 2020 election cycle, according to OpenSecrets, 61 percent of that to Democratic candidates and groups.</div><div>
</div><div>The industry’s focus on drug pricing has increased dramatically in recent years as the issue became more top-of-mind for voters. In 2012, lobbyists registered to work on the issue of “drug prices” 69 times for 20 different clients. In 2021 so far, they have filed to lobby on the issue 1,192 times for 242 different clients, according to OpenSecrets data.</div><div>
</div><div>While the industry lobbies on many different issues in a given year, the Democratic bill H.R. 3 that would have given the government more expansive power to negotiate drug prices was the bill PhRMA cited most often for lobbying; the bill appeared in its reports 35 times so far this year, OpenSecrets found.</div><div>
</div><div>Research by Patients for Affordable Drugs Now, which advocates for lower prices, found that PhRMA and its allies spent at least $26.5 million on television and digital ads attacking proposals on price negotiations between July and early November. That included $2.7 million spent by PhRMA, but also $4.5 million in ads by the 60 Plus Association, which bills itself as a conservative version of AARP and did not respond to a request for comment.</div><div>
</div><div>Also lining up behind the effort was the American Action Network, a major conservative nonprofit advocacy group, with $7.9 million in ads. PhRMA gave the American Action Network $4.5 million in 2019, along with $75,000 to the 60 Plus Association, according to tax filings.</div><div>
</div><div>Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) holds one of Congress’s most competitive seats, having wrested it from Republican control in 2018 and narrowly winning reelection in 2020. She shaped her campaign around a platform of tackling rising health-care costs and has maintained focus on that issue, inviting a Type 1 diabetes patient with sky-high insulin costs to be her guest at the 2020 State of the Union address.</div><div>
</div><div>According to data tracked by Patients for Affordable Drugs Now, the American Action Network funded an ad in Slotkin’s district starting in August that accuses Democrats of pushing a “socialist health-care plan to control what medicines you can get.”</div><div>
</div><div>Her office is now accustomed to fielding calls from constituents who see ads like that one on television, Slotkin said.</div><div>
</div><div>“We can really tell the first couple of days those ads run because that’s when we’ll see a spike in the number of people calling our office,” she said. “We literally write a response that our staff can use to forcefully push back and try to contradict the purposeful misinformation.”</div><div>
</div><div>Asked about the accuracy of the advertisement targeting Slotkin, American Action Network spokesman Calvin Moore reiterated its message, saying such proposals amount to “socialist price controls” that could limit development of new prescription drugs. “Stifling innovation to this degree has profound consequences,” Moore said.</div><div>
</div><div>Many of the backers of these efforts are difficult to identify because of rules allowing anonymous funding of political groups. A Public Voice, which described itself on its 2018 and 2019 tax forms as the “direct controlling entity” of A Healthy Future, is based in Thornville, Ohio. It listed nearly $5 million in contributions in 2018, though it declined to name its donors, and spent the money on consulting, marketing and funding conservative causes across the country. That year, its donations included $240,000 to Fund for a Working Congress, a political action committee that supported Republican candidates, and $370,000 to Ohio First PAC, which supported a challenge by Republican James B. Renacci against Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).</div><div>
</div><div>A voice mail left at a number listed on tax filings for A Public Voice received no response. Documents filed with the state of Ohio show that the entity originally formed in 2012 as Protect Your Vote Ohio and show its registered agents as lawyers with Langdon Law, a Cincinnati-area law firm known as a nexus for “dark money” groups on the right.</div><div>
</div><div>David Langdon of Langdon Law did not respond to an email and voice mail requesting comment.</div><div>
</div><div>The approximately 20 digital and television video ads compiled by Patients for Affordable Drugs Now and reviewed by The Washington Post warned viewers about an array of crises that could befall them should Congress allow Medicare to negotiate prices for drugs, among them that the industry could no longer develop new medications, that the government would limit access to prescriptions, that Medicare would be cut or that millions of jobs would be lost.</div><div>
</div><div>“They call it negotiation, but it really means government decides what medicines I can get,” says “Sue,” a woman labeled in one ad as a diabetic from Ohio.</div><div>
</div><div>“Imagine a future in which a vaccine for covid-19 was never discovered,” says a voice in another spot.</div><div>
</div><div>Pro-industry advertising ran during opinion shows on Fox News, CNN and MSNBC, as well as during college football games, according to the advertising data firm iSpot.tv.</div><div>
</div><div>Once the drug cost proposal was added to President Biden’s larger legislative package, some advertising took direct aim at Democrats’ spending priorities. One claimed the proposal called for “gutting Medicare” in exchange for “pie-in-the-sky special-interest kickbacks.” It depicts House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) riding atop an animated unicorn, she and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) sliding down rainbows, and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) at a dessert buffet. Another depicts the proposal as a shell game that “loots Medicare.”</div><div>
</div><div>Jayapal says Democrats almost have the votes to pass Build Back Better</div><div>Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) described her frustration with lengthy negotiations on the Build Back Better act in an interview with The Washington Post Nov. 5. (Zach Purser Brown/The Washington Post)</div><div>Previous presidents, including Barack Obama and Donald Trump, vowed to pass bills to lower prescription drug costs, only to see their efforts die on Capitol Hill, in part because of a relentless lobbying blitz.</div><div>
</div><div>When Montana’s Brian Schweitzer ran for Senate in 1999, he elevated his long-shot campaign by busing senior citizens to Canada so they could illegally buy drugs at lower prices.</div><div>
</div><div>He got his first taste of the pharmaceutical lobby shortly afterward, when he said television ads started attacking him for trusting medicines made in other countries. He said in his case, the attacks helped make his political career. “Virtually everybody in America has a friend or family member who is taking that expensive medicine,” he said.</div><div>
</div><div>Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.) holds another competitive seat, representing an Allentown, Pa., district that narrowly favored Biden in the 2020 election. She said that as she began supporting drug price reform early in her career, lobbyists began relentlessly calling her office, even though she had vowed not to take corporate PAC donations.</div><div>
</div><div>“If they’re calling me nonstop, imagine what they’re doing to those who actually do take their money,” she said.</div><div>
</div><div>During the most recent negotiations, Wild began receiving automated emails from constituents worried they wouldn’t be able to get their medicines if the government could negotiate prices. But on Sunday she joined 14 colleagues from other competitive districts, including Kim and Slotkin, to urge Democratic leadership to deliver on their promise to reduce drug prices.</div><div>
</div><div>She said she knows what comes next.</div><div>
</div><div>“I am quite certain that because I have been so outspoken on this issue, that I am going to face an attack ad,” Wild said. “I have an idea for what it could be, but I don’t want to tell you in case they see it. I don’t want to give them any ideas.”</div></div></div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><div times="Times" new="New" roman="Roman" font-size="font-size" large="large" background-color="background-color" rgb="rgb">----</div></div>=oreskes:
<div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">A third way the industry has promoted disinformation is through their trade associations. In the</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">early 1990s, the Western Fuels Association ran a media campaign across the country designed to</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">undermine public support for climate action by promoting the message that it would be wasteful to</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">spend money solving a problem that perhaps did not actually exist (Appendix 16). These trade</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">associations include the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the American Petroleum</div><div style="">Institute (API), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Black Chamber of Commerce</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">(NBCC), and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).</div>=oops 2xno lnxBritish Petroleum (BP) is working to clean up its climate image. In the two months since environmental law nonprofit Client Earth filed a complaint against the UK oil giant with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) alleging its ads were misleading, BP has announced intentions to reach “net zero” carbon emissions by 2050,  stop all “corporate reputation” advertising and, now, withdraw from trade associations with approaches on climate that are out of step with its values.The company announced this week it will resign its membership in the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) and the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) and will not renew its membership with the Western Energy Alliance (WEA).The decision came after BP conducted a review comparing the climate-related policies of several trade associations to its own. The company found its policies are not aligned with those of the AFPM, WSPA and WEA.BP cited WEA’s opposition of federal methane regulation as a main area of misalignment. BP said “recent and developing differences in the area of carbon pricing” have contributed to its decision to leave the WSPA, as has its current focus on stopping a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) initiative in Washington state. But while proclaiming to support a tax on carbon, BP contributed nearly $13 million to a campaign by the WSPA to help defeat a Washington state carbon emissions fee initiative in 2018.BP listed disagreements over carbon pricing as the main reason for leaving the AFPM.However, BP will remain a member of the American Petroleum Institute (AP), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), despite finding that its policies are only partially aligned with those groups. According to its review, BP disagrees with the API’s opposition to the federal regulation of methane, disagrees with NAM over its opposition to carbon pricing and differs from the Chamber’s approach to climate science and emissions reduction efforts.Yet for now, BP will remain a member of these groups, despite the fact that the API, U.S. Chamber and NAM are well-known architects of climate science denial.“A company like BP that engages with trade associations is doing a constant cost-benefit calculation--to what extent does this group represent BP's interest and its policy advocacy versus pose a reputational risk for the company with its own investors, and with the public," said Kathryn Mulvey, climate accountability campaign manager for the Union of Concerned Scientists. "Clearly the fact that the company is staying with the American Petroleum Institute, the US Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Manufacturers, despite finding only partial alignment indicates that there's a calculation being made on its part.”BP is not the first oil major to call it quits with the AFPM. Shell withdrew its membership last year in response to pressure from investors. It continued its membership with the WSPA despite finding “some misalignment” between its own policies and those of the WSPA. Shell appears to have discontinued its WEA membership in 2016.AFPM president and chief executive officer Chet Thompson said the association is disappointed."As a member of our executive committee they know that AFPM is and has been committed to supporting policies that address climate change. Because of that, it leads us to assume that this decision was made based on factors other than our actual positions on the issues,” Thompson said in a statement without specifying what those factors are.The split could ratchet up the pressure on ExxonMobil and Chevron, along with other oil companies to examine their trade association membership, Mulvey said."We would expect it would make it a good deal harder for major oil and gas companies to hide behind third-party lobby groups,” she said.  “We're starting to see a real new norm in terms of transparency, regarding climate policy positions and also action to address misalignment and inconsistency of trade group positions with stated company positions.”BP said it will conduct its next review in two years and plans to provide periodic, internal updates to its board of directors and stakeholders. It did not rule out potentially withdrawing from more trade associations in the future.“BP will pursue opportunities to work with organizations 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,” said BP chief executive officer Bernard Looney in a statement, adding that the industry has long demonstrated it can collaborate effectively through trade associations.“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,” Looney added.Catherine Rheis-Boyd, president of the WSPA resident said her group and its members will continue to talk with BP and other stakeholders regarding the creation of a sustainable energy future.“Our members know the way the world produces, distributes and consumes energy is evolving, and our industry will remain leaders in investing in and developing the diverse energy sources and technologies we need for the future,” Reheis-Boyd said. “Working together as an industry, we will rise to the challenge of a changing climate.”The WEA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Mulvey said while BP is clearly concerned about its reputation and has pledged to be at net zero, whether the company will take the necessary steps remains to be seen. The company has so far only mentioned carbon capture technology and carbon offsets as methods to achieving net zero, promising to provide more details in September, nine months after its announcement.Meanwhile, the company has pulled its “Possibilities Everywhere” campaign (the source of the Client Earth OECD complaint), but has been advertising its net zero commitment quite a bit on social media and in search engines.BP’s withdrawal from the three associations does make one thing clear, Mulvey said."It lays down a gauntlet for ExxonMobil and Chevron to really step up or they may be understood, by the investor community in particular, to be falling behind their competitors."<div class="3sZWk blog-post-title-font igE5v 2lmPI Qz_XW" data-hook="post-title" style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px 0px 9px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 740px;"><h2 class="2MNte post-title post-titletext blog-post-title-color blog-hover-container-element-color" data-hook="post-title" style="margin: 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; display: -webkit-box; -webkit-line-clamp: 2;">BP Calls It Quits with 3 Trade Associations, but Continues Membership in NAM, API, US Chamber</div></h2></div><a class="1NTXA igE5v _2lmPI" href="https://www.drillednews.com/post/bp-calls-it-quits-with-3-trade-associations-but-continues-membership-in-nam-api-us-chamber" target="top" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); width: 100%; height: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;" /><div class="-RDEl igE5v blog-post-description-font Qz_XW" data-hook="post-description" style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 23px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><div class="1Uunh post-excerpt" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; opacity: 0.8; word-break: break-word; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; display: -webkit-box; -webkit-line-clamp: 2;"><div class="AB7h6" data-hook="post-description" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="1NTXA igE5v 2lmPI" href="https://www.drillednews.com/post/bp-calls-it-quits-with-3-trade-associations-but-continues-membership-in-nam-api-us-chamber" target="top" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); width: 100%; height: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"></a><a class="1NTXA igE5v _2lmPI" href="https://www.drillednews.com/post/bp-calls-it-quits-with-3-trade-associations-but-continues-membership-in-nam-api-us-chamber" target="top" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); width: 100%; height: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"></a><a class="1NTXA igE5v _2lmPI" href="https://www.drillednews.com/post/bp-calls-it-quits-with-3-trade-associations-but-continues-membership-in-nam-api-us-chamber" target="top" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); width: 100%; height: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"></a><a class="1NTXA igE5v _2lmPI" href="https://www.drillednews.com/post/bp-calls-it-quits-with-3-trade-associations-but-continues-membership-in-nam-api-us-chamber" target="top" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); width: 100%; height: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"></a><a class="1NTXA igE5v _2lmPI" href="https://www.drillednews.com/post/bp-calls-it-quits-with-3-trade-associations-but-continues-membership-in-nam-api-us-chamber" target="top" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); width: 100%; height: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"></a><a class="1NTXA igE5v _2lmPI" href="https://www.drillednews.com/post/bp-calls-it-quits-with-3-trade-associations-but-continues-membership-in-nam-api-us-chamber" target="top" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); width: 100%; height: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;">On the heels of its net zero announcement and commitment to stop corporate reputation ads, BP withdraws from three trade groups over climate</a></div></div></div></div><font size="4" face="Times New Roman" color="#000000" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); width: 100%; height: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;">=secret sci<a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;"></a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">again no name of compiler</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">
</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">We support the passage of this legislation and thank your Committee for its leadership on this important</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">issue.</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">Sincerely,</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">American Apparel & Footwear Association</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">American Chemistry Council</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">American Coatings Association</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">American Composites Manufacturers Association</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">American Foundry Society</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">American Petroleum Institute</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">American Wood Council</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">Auto Care Association</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">Corn Refiners Association</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">Council of Producers & Distributors of Agrotechnology</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">EPS Industry Alliance</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">Fashion Jewelry and Accessories Trade Association</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">Industrial Minerals Association - North America</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">Institute of Makers of Explosives</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">IPC – Association Connecting Electronics Industries</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">National Association for Surface Finishing</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">National Association of Chemical Distributors</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">National Black Chamber of Commerce</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">National Electrical Manufacturers Association</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">National Oilseed Processors Association</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">Pine Chemicals Association, Inc.</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">Plumbing Manufacturers International</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">Styrene Information and Research Center</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">The Fertilizer Institute</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">Treated Wood Council</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;">Window & Door Manufacturers Association</a><a class="fl" href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us" ping="/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search%3Fq%3Dcache:LxmufgXmoZUJ:https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201307/legislation.cfm%2B%26cd%3D10%26hl%3Den%26ct%3Dclnk%26gl%3Dus&ved=2ahUKEwjAk-CljufqAhUERK0KHYK3CWQQIDAJegQICRAG" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-line: none; cursor: pointer; display: block; padding: 7px 18px; outline: 0px;"></a><a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/2019/11/14/new-paper-reveals-rail-industry-was-leader-climate-denial-efforts" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">https://www.desmogblog.com/2019/11/14/new-paper-reveals-rail-industry-was-leader-climate-denial-efforts</a>
many lnx gukpixNew Paper Reveals Rail Industry Was Leader in Climate Denial EffortsBy Justin Mikulka • Thursday, November 14, 2019 - 07:58A recent paper analyzing the major players in the organized efforts to attack climate change science and delay action had a surprising revelation — the biggest contributing industry/sector was not oil and gas but rail/steel/coal with the most active organization in the climate denial movement being the Association of American Railroads (AAR).In the paper, Networks of Opposition: A Structural Analysis of U.S. Climate Change Countermovement Coalitions 1989-2015, author Robert Brulle, looks at “key political coalitions that worked to oppose climate action. In conjunction with their allied trade associations, these coalitions have served as a central coordination mechanism in efforts opposed to mandatory limits on carbon emissions.”And the allied trade association that was most active was the AAR. Why would the rail industry care about climate change and be active in promoting denial? Coal.Coal has historically been the biggest business for U.S. rail, and still generates over 16% of Class 1 rail revenue in 2018, according to the AAR. Without coal the U.S. rail industry has a major revenue problem — which explains the decades of climate denial activity documented in this new paper.Of course, the U.S. coal industry is in serious decline despite all of the climate denialism funded by the rail and coal industries. Moody’s has estimated that the rail industry is facing a loss of $5 billion in coal revenues (from current levels of approximately $10 billion) by 2030.That reality hasn’t stopped the AAR from continuing to push coal while not acknowledging climate change. In a May 2019 publication on rail and coal, the AAR fails to mention climate change while also touting debunked ideas like “clean coal” as potential lifelines for the dying coal industry.
AAR and History of Science DenialIn my book, Bomb Trains: How Industry Greed and Regulatory Failure Put the Public at Risk, I document how the AAR has a history of adopting the climate change denial model of attacking known science to delay, deny and repeal safety regulations. This is the model that worked well for the tobacco industry and continues to be an effective method for lobbyists like the AAR to work with members of Congress and regulators to prioritize corporate profits over public safety.Much like how Exxon knew the science of climate change long before it started spending big money to mislead the public about that reality, the rail industry and the AAR have done the same with safety measures like modern electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brakes.As I have documented for DeSmog, the rail industry and the AAR and regulators at the Federal Railroad Administration all have agreed that, based on the research, ECP brakes are far superior to the current brakes used on oil trains.Until new regulations were proposed to require those brakes on oil trains in the future. Then the AAR and industry just changed the story and said there was no science supporting the safety benefits of ECP brakes — after years of being on record saying the opposite. In one case lobbyists for the AAR were in Washington, D.C. lobbying against modern brakes while a derailed oil train was still burning in Illinois.
The AAR even ran ads on Google attacking the facts of ECP brakes.Image: Screen capture of Google ad from American Association of Railroads.]
The industry has taken a similar approach to denying the science of the impacts of sloshing on train derailments and ignoring the risks of trains that are too heavy and too long.And perhaps the most egregious example is the rail industry working with the American Petroleum Institute to deny the known science of oil that is the reason oil trains are known as bomb trains. The oil industry claims it doesn’t understand the science of oil — one of the great science denial claims of all time — and as with all such claims it is about putting profits over safety. The rail industry learned this lesson well.
Climate Change Will Wreak Havoc With RailWhile the rail industry has worked to protect its financial interests by supporting climate denial efforts, it also is an industry that is facing huge climate related challenges — well beyond just the loss of its coal business.In March, the journal Transport Policy published the paper Impacts of Climate change on Operation of US Rail Networks that estimated the costs of temperature increases due to climate change could reach $45 to $60 billion by 2100.Temperatures extremes — both hot and cold — cause big problems for railroads because metal rails don’t react well to extreme temperatures. The industry has known for years about “sun kinks” which is the term for when metal rails buckle in extreme heat which can cause train derailments.In July, Mashable featured the issue of heat and railroads and the outlook wasn’t good.“This is not a problem that’s going away,” Paul Chinowsky, a civil engineer at the University of Colorado Boulder and author of the Transport Policy paper, told Mashable. Chinowsky also noted that rail companies are already stopping traffic during the hottest times of the day in places like Virginia and Arizona. And the article notes the many problems for rail caused by the record heat wave in Europe this summer. Just this week, Alex Hynes, the managing director of Scotland’s railway, admitted the reality of rail and climate change when he stated that, “The railway in this country can no longer cope because of climate change.” 
Flooding on the Tracks...<div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">=</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">api knew? evil</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">
</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><div><div><a href="https://insideclimatenews.org/news/08042020/science-denial-coronavirus-covid-climate-change" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">https://insideclimatenews.org/news/08042020/science-denial-coronavirus-covid-climate-change</a></div><div>
</div><div>American science denialism, deployed for years against climate change and, most recently, the coronavirus, can be traced back to the early 1950s during the fight over smog in Los Angeles.  </div><div>
</div><div class="content" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><div class="field-items" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded" style="box-sizing: inherit;">When a Cal-Tech biochemist fingered nitrogen oxide emissions and uncombusted hydrocarbons from automobiles and refineries as the cause of the thick smog that often blanketed the city, the American Petroleum Institute counter-attacked by highlighting the alleged uncertainty of his science. The tactic was a test run for the fossil fuel industry's assault 40 years later on climate science. Decades of climate denial now appear to have paved the way for denial of Covid-19 by many on the right, according to experts on climate politics. After the fossil fuel industry spent hundreds of millions of dollars attacking climate scientists and accentuating the supposed uncertainty of climate science, it isn't hard to understand how that happened. President Trump, who denies climate change, has brushed off Covid-19's seriousness until recently <a href="https://insideclimatenews.org/news/19032020/denial-climate-change-coronavirus-donald-trump" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none; box-sizing: inherit;">by relying on many of the same arguments he uses to dismiss global warming, such as ignoring government scientists or blaming China. </a>  ...</div></div></div></div></div><div></div></div>no lnxBritish Petroleum (BP) is working to clean up its climate image. In the two months since environmental law nonprofit Client Earth filed a complaint against the UK oil giant with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) alleging its ads were misleading, BP has announced intentions to reach “net zero” carbon emissions by 2050,  stop all “corporate reputation” advertising and, now, withdraw from trade associations with approaches on climate that are out of step with its values.The company announced this week it will resign its membership in the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) and the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) and will not renew its membership with the Western Energy Alliance (WEA).The decision came after BP conducted a review comparing the climate-related policies of several trade associations to its own. The company found its policies are not aligned with those of the AFPM, WSPA and WEA.BP cited WEA’s opposition of federal methane regulation as a main area of misalignment. BP said “recent and developing differences in the area of carbon pricing” have contributed to its decision to leave the WSPA, as has its current focus on stopping a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) initiative in Washington state. But while proclaiming to support a tax on carbon, BP contributed nearly $13 million to a campaign by the WSPA to help defeat a Washington state carbon emissions fee initiative in 2018.BP listed disagreements over carbon pricing as the main reason for leaving the AFPM.However, BP will remain a member of the American Petroleum Institute (AP), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), despite finding that its policies are only partially aligned with those groups. According to its review, BP disagrees with the API’s opposition to the federal regulation of methane, disagrees with NAM over its opposition to carbon pricing and differs from the Chamber’s approach to climate science and emissions reduction efforts.Yet for now, BP will remain a member of these groups, despite the fact that the API, U.S. Chamber and NAM are well-known architects of climate science denial.“A company like BP that engages with trade associations is doing a constant cost-benefit calculation--to what extent does this group represent BP's interest and its policy advocacy versus pose a reputational risk for the company with its own investors, and with the public," said Kathryn Mulvey, climate accountability campaign manager for the Union of Concerned Scientists. "Clearly the fact that the company is staying with the American Petroleum Institute, the US Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Manufacturers, despite finding only partial alignment indicates that there's a calculation being made on its part.”BP is not the first oil major to call it quits with the AFPM. Shell withdrew its membership last year in response to pressure from investors. It continued its membership with the WSPA despite finding “some misalignment” between its own policies and those of the WSPA. Shell appears to have discontinued its WEA membership in 2016.AFPM president and chief executive officer Chet Thompson said the association is disappointed."As a member of our executive committee they know that AFPM is and has been committed to supporting policies that address climate change. Because of that, it leads us to assume that this decision was made based on factors other than our actual positions on the issues,” Thompson said in a statement without specifying what those factors are.The split could ratchet up the pressure on ExxonMobil and Chevron, along with other oil companies to examine their trade association membership, Mulvey said."We would expect it would make it a good deal harder for major oil and gas companies to hide behind third-party lobby groups,” she said.  “We're starting to see a real new norm in terms of transparency, regarding climate policy positions and also action to address misalignment and inconsistency of trade group positions with stated company positions.”BP said it will conduct its next review in two years and plans to provide periodic, internal updates to its board of directors and stakeholders. It did not rule out potentially withdrawing from more trade associations in the future.“BP will pursue opportunities to work with organizations 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,” said BP chief executive officer Bernard Looney in a statement, adding that the industry has long demonstrated it can collaborate effectively through trade associations.“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,” Looney added.Catherine Rheis-Boyd, president of the WSPA resident said her group and its members will continue to talk with BP and other stakeholders regarding the creation of a sustainable energy future.“Our members know the way the world produces, distributes and consumes energy is evolving, and our industry will remain leaders in investing in and developing the diverse energy sources and technologies we need for the future,” Reheis-Boyd said. “Working together as an industry, we will rise to the challenge of a changing climate.”The WEA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Mulvey said while BP is clearly concerned about its reputation and has pledged to be at net zero, whether the company will take the necessary steps remains to be seen. The company has so far only mentioned carbon capture technology and carbon offsets as methods to achieving net zero, promising to provide more details in September, nine months after its announcement.Meanwhile, the company has pulled its “Possibilities Everywhere” campaign (the source of the Client Earth OECD complaint), but has been advertising its net zero commitment quite a bit on social media and in search engines.BP’s withdrawal from the three associations does make one thing clear, Mulvey said."It lays down a gauntlet for ExxonMobil and Chevron to really step up or they may be understood, by the investor community in particular, to be falling behind their competitors."<div class="3sZWk blog-post-title-font igE5v _2lmPI Qz_XW" data-hook="post-title" style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 9px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 740px;"><h2 class="2MNte post-title post-titletext blog-post-title-color blog-hover-container-element-color" data-hook="post-title" style="margin: 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; display: -webkit-box; -webkit-line-clamp: 2;">BP Calls It Quits with 3 Trade Associations, but Continues Membership in NAM, API, US Chamber</div></h2></div><a class="1NTXA igE5v _2lmPI" href="https://www.drillednews.com/post/bp-calls-it-quits-with-3-trade-associations-but-continues-membership-in-nam-api-us-chamber" target="top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); width: 100%; height: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" /><div class="-RDEl igE5v blog-post-description-font Qz_XW" data-hook="post-description" style="font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 23px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><div class="1Uunh post-excerpt" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; opacity: 0.8; word-break: break-word; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; display: -webkit-box; -webkit-line-clamp: 2;"><div class="AB7h6" data-hook="post-description" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="1NTXA igE5v 2lmPI" href="https://www.drillednews.com/post/bp-calls-it-quits-with-3-trade-associations-but-continues-membership-in-nam-api-us-chamber" target="top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); width: 100%; height: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></a><a class="1NTXA igE5v _2lmPI" href="https://www.drillednews.com/post/bp-calls-it-quits-with-3-trade-associations-but-continues-membership-in-nam-api-us-chamber" target="top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); width: 100%; height: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></a><a class="1NTXA igE5v _2lmPI" href="https://www.drillednews.com/post/bp-calls-it-quits-with-3-trade-associations-but-continues-membership-in-nam-api-us-chamber" target="top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); width: 100%; height: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></a><a class="1NTXA igE5v _2lmPI" href="https://www.drillednews.com/post/bp-calls-it-quits-with-3-trade-associations-but-continues-membership-in-nam-api-us-chamber" target="top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); width: 100%; height: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">On the heels of its net zero announcement and commitment to stop corporate reputation ads, BP withdraws from three trade groups over climate</a></div></div></div></div><a class="1NTXA igE5v _2lmPI" href="https://www.drillednews.com/post/bp-calls-it-quits-with-3-trade-associations-but-continues-membership-in-nam-api-us-chamber" target="top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); width: 100%; height: 100%; box-sizing: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"></a><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">API KNEW</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">
</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/21/headlines/report_oil_industry_knew_about_dangers_of_climate_change_in_1954" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/21/headlines/report_oil_industry_knew_about_dangers_of_climate_change_in_1954</a></div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">
</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Leaders of the U.S. fossil fuel industry knew as early as 1954 that carbon dioxide pollution accumulating in the atmosphere posed a growing threat to life on Earth, but failed to warn the public. That’s according to new research published by Stanford historian Benjamin Franta in the journal Nature Climate Change. Franta found that in the 1950s the American Petroleum Institute commissioned a study by a Caltech scientist which concluded global CO2 levels had risen by 5 percent in a century. It’s the earliest known industry-funded research into climate change, and the findings led in part to a 1965 report by President Lyndon Johnson’s Science Advisory Committee on the threat posed by global warming. Speaking to members of an oil industry conference that year, Frank Ikard, then-president of the American Petroleum Institute, warned, “This report unquestionably will fan emotions, raise fears, and bring demand for action. The substance of the report is that there is still time to save the world’s peoples from the catastrophic consequence of pollution, but time is running out.” The American Petroleum Institute would instead go on to fund decades of climate change denial while fighting efforts to switch to renewable energy sources.</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">
</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></div>===<a href="https://www.alternet.org/2019/09/holy-relics-and-celebrity-mementos-put-heaven-within-reach/">https://www.alternet.org/2019/09/holy-relics-and-celebrity-mementos-put-heaven-within-reach/</a>US  lobby groups representing the fossil fuel and automotive industries are world leaders when it comes to stalling government action on climate change, new research shows.Of the top 10 trade associations considered to be the most effective at opposing climate-friendly policies globally, seven are based in Washington DC, according to a report published this week by lobbying watchdog InfluenceMap.Many of the organisations, which include the <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/american-petroleum-institute" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none;">American Petroleum Institute</a> and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, have had their wishes granted since President Trump’s election. As part of a broader deregulatory agenda, the <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/donald-trump" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none;">Trump</a> administration has scrapped regulations on methane emissions and automotive fuel efficiency standards.<a href="https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-usa-climatechange-trump/trump-climate-deregulation-could-boost-co2-emissions-by-200-million-tonnes-a-year-study-idUKKCN1QM2KC" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none;">Analysis</a> by the NYU School of Law’s State Energy and Environmental Impact Center suggests these regulatory rollbacks will add an estimated 200 million tonnes of extra greenhouse gas emissions annually by 2025.The report coincides with a UN Climate Action Summit taking place in New York this week, which aims to strengthen countries’ emissions reduction plans, with an overall goal of “net zero” by 2050.<h3 style="line-height: 1.28205em; margin-top: 1.28205em; margin-bottom: 1.28205em;">Fighting climate action</h3>The lobby groups highlighted in the report have been working to undermine efforts to introduce climate policies since long before Trump’s election, however.The <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/national-association-manufacturers" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none;">National Association of Manufacturers</a>, which tops the list, coordinated the now-defunct <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/global-climate-coalition" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none;">Global Climate Coalition</a>, which tried to <a href="https://desmog.co.uk/2019/04/25/global-climate-coalition-documents-secretive-fossil-fuel-lobby-un-programs" style="text-decoration-line: none;">influence</a> the UN’s IPCC process and spread doubt about climate science during the 1990s.In 2009, the <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/american-petroleum-institute" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none;">American Petroleum Institute</a> and the <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/american-fuel-petrochemical-manufacturers-afpm" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none;">American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers</a> funded <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150811025505/http:/blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/08/11/lobby-groups-to-use-town-hall-tactics-to-oppose-climate-bill/" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none;">rallies</a> against the proposed Clean Energy Act which would have established a “cap-and-trade” emissions scheme across the country.The <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/national-mining-association" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none;">National Mining Association</a> currently runs an astroturf campaign called ‘Count on Coal’, while the <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/american-legislative-exchange-council" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none;">American Legislative Exchange Council</a> (ALEC), a recipient of <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/koch-family-foundations" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none;">Koch</a> and ExxonMobil funding, has developed numerous “model bills” for states to adopt over the years. They include opposition to renewable energy targets and support for the controversial Keystone XL tar sands pipeline.Three trade associations from other countries feature in the top 10: the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, the Minerals Council of Australia and the Japan Business Federation. BusinessEurope, a coalition of trade federations that has <a href="https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2018/09/19/businesseurope-cbi-eu-climate-paris-agreement/" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none;">opposed</a> the EU increasing its action on climate change, sits at number 12.InfluenceMap argues that while the groups have so far managed to avoid significant public scrutiny, they are being “increasingly challenged by investors, the media and politicians that recognise the role they play in holding back effective action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.”Beau O’Sullivan, Communications Manager at the shareholder activism charity ShareAction, said the findings reinforce growing calls for companies to sever ties with organisations working to kill off strong climate policies:“This report rightly quantifies the insidious nature of the anti-climate lobby powerhouse. Investors are indeed alert to this and are taking action.”“Most recently, investors have filed an ambitious shareholder resolution at mining company BHP to ask it to cut ties with the worst offenders in obstructive lobbying, namely the Minerals Council of Australia, Business Council of Australia, and US chamber of commerce. Voting for this proposal will be a real test of investor action.”Ed Collins, Project Lead on Climate Lobbying at InfluenceMap, told DeSmog the trade associations were also “facing increasing pressure from more progressive parts of their membership”. “We are at a crucial time for climate action. But against a backdrop of huge public concern around climate change and increasingly dire warnings from scientists, these trade groups continue to frustrate progress on climate policy, especially in the US, which should be leading the world in terms of climate ambition,” he said.

----<h3 class="yiv0018033476null" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 22.5px; letter-spacing: -0.5px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Light bulb manufacturers score victory with new Trump energy rule</h3> The Department of Energy finalized a rule Wednesday that will prevent Obama-era efficiency standards for light bulbs from being implemented. The decision was cheered by lighting manufacturers that have spent the last two years lobbying Congress and the DOE to reverse new energy efficiency standards that would have affected billions of light bulbs sold in the U.S.  <a rel="nofollow" target="blank" href="https://opensecrets.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aa7cf182bf7041258bb250f9d&id=778933fe17&e=44dfb36771" style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Read more</a>
The Department of Energy <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/04/trump-rolls-back-requirements-on-energy-saving-light-bulbs.html" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">finalized a rule Wednesday </a>that will prevent Obama-era efficiency standards for commonly used light bulbs from being implemented. The decision was cheered by lighting manufacturers that have spent the last two years lobbying Congress and the DOE to reverse new energy efficiency standards that would have affected billions of light bulbs sold in the U.S. The stricter standards were set to go into effect in January 2020.Environmental groups, on the other hand, expressed disappointment and argued the decision would worsen the climate by enabling the sale of inefficient bulbs that contribute to carbon dioxide emissions. The <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/clientsum.php?id=D000027840&year=2019" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; text-decoration-line: none; background-color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">National Electrical Manufacturers Association</a> applauded the Trump administration’s new rules in a <a href="https://www.nema.org/news/Pages/Electrical-Manufacturers-Support-DOE-Revision-of-General-Service-Lamp-Definition.aspx" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 102); box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; text-decoration-line: none;">statement Wednesday</a>, arguing the Obama-era efficiency standards were not feasible for manufacturers producing certain kinds of lamps. It said the rule change “will not impact the market’s continuing, rapid adoption of energy-saving lighting in the next few years.”The trade group, which represents major lighting manufacturers such as <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/clientsum.php?id=D000000125" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">General Electric</a> and <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/clientsum.php?id=D000046355&year=2019" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">Acuity Brands</a>, fiercely <a href="https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060054114" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">fought new DOE efficiency standards</a> when they were finalized on President Barack Obama’s final full day in office. It spent $5 million on lobbying since the start of 2017 and dispatched dozens of <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/clientlbs.php?id=D000027840&year=2018" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">revolving door lobbyists</a>. The Trump administration cited statistics from lighting trade groups in its <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2019-18940.pdf" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">final rule</a>, noting that the Obama-era regulations would place costs on retailers that have to replace their outdated bulbs. DOE <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2019-18940.pdf?utm_source=federalregister.gov&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pi+subscription+mailing+list" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">argued in its new rule</a> that the new efficiency standards were not consistent with a 2007 law that requires the agency to phase out inefficient bulbs by 2020.The environmental advocacy group <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/clientsum.php?id=D000036133" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">Natural Resources Defense Council</a>, which spent $2.4 million on lobbying since 2017, disagreed. The group said in a <a href="https://www.nrdc.org/media/2019/190904" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">press release</a> it will “explore all options, including litigation, to defend these critically important lighting efficiency standards.” The new DOE rule is a win for light bulb manufacturers. But the lighting trade group, along with prominent air conditioning and appliance manufacturers, are urging Congress to take the next step and amend the 1975 law that requires DOE to periodically craft new efficiency standards. The <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/lookup2.php?strID=C00398800&cycle=2020" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">American Lighting Association</a>, a lighting industry trade association that does not deploy registered lobbyists, <a href="https://alamembers.com/Government-Engagement/ArtMID/1149/ArticleID/559/ALA-Members-Staff-Discuss-Key-Industry-Issues-in-DC" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">flew its members</a> to Washington in May to push for changes to “modernize” the 43-year-old <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/94/s622/text" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">Energy Policy and Conservation Act</a>. The group said it had lunch with Daniel Simmons, who oversees the DOE’s energy efficiency programs. Simmons previously worked for the conservative Institute for Energy Research, a nonprofit that fights renewable energy efforts.The <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/clientsum.php?id=D000024172&year=2019" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers</a> has <a href="https://www.aham.org/AHAMdocs/Main%20Site/Association%20of%20Home%20Appliance%20Manufacturers%20-%20House%20EPCA%20Reform%20Testimony%206.10.16%20%2800049397%29.pdf" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">called on lawmakers</a> to change the act by excluding some products that already operate at high efficiency and to require DOE to consider the impact of new regulations. Representing industry giants such as <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/clientsum.php?id=D000069177&year=2018" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">LG Electronics</a> and <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/firmsum.php?id=D000001063&year=2019" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">GE Appliances</a>, the trade group is on pace to break its own lobbying spending record in 2019, shelling out $675,000 through the first half of the year.“More stringent federal efficiency standards are likely to increase costs for manufacturers and consumers without providing meaningful energy savings,” the group <a href="https://www.aham.org/AHAM/Energy_Efficiency/EPCA_Reform/AHAM/EnergyEfficiency/EPCA_Reform.aspx?hkey=dbfab62c-8a82-4155-a552-7cd2ed388493" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">said in a press release</a>.The <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/client_reports.php?id=D000046526&year=2019" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">Air Conditioning Heating, & Refrigeration Institute</a> shelled out a record $1 million in cold hard cash last year and another $552,000 through the first half of 2019. It reported dispatching lobbyists to DOE to lobby for “needed reforms” to the law to “improve the regulatory process and accountability.”In February, DOE <a href="https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2019/02/f59/process-rule-notice.pdf" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">proposed changes</a> to slow down the rulemaking process for setting new efficiency standards. That move was <a href="https://www.nrdc.org/experts/lauren-urbanek/doe-proposal-sets-hurdles-efficiency-standards" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">criticized by environmental groups</a> but <a href="https://www.nafem.org/resources/nafem-submits-doe-process-rule-comments/" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-height: 1e+06px; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; text-decoration-line: none;">drew support</a> from appliance and lightbulb manufacturers and other affected trade groups.<div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">=</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/2018/09/12/report-90-percent-world-s-largest-200-industrial-companies-are-using-trade-associations-oppose-climate-policy" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">https://www.desmogblog.com/2018/09/12/report-90-percent-world-s-largest-200-industrial-companies-are-using-trade-associations-oppose-climate-policy</a></div><div style=""><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden" style="min-height: 280px;"><div class="field-items" style=""><div class="field-item even" style="">Nearly all of the world’s largest 200 industrial companies have directly or indirectly opposed climate policy since the landmark Paris Agreement was signed three years ago, according to new research.  <a href="https://influencemap.org/climate-lobbying" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">Analysis by InfluenceMap</a>, a UK-based think tank, examined the lobbying activities of 200 of the world’s biggest companies and 75 of the most powerful trade groups and the links between them since December 2015.It found that 30 percent of all companies analysed have directly lobbied against climate policy in the last three years and that 90 percent of them retain membership to trade associations which have actively opposed climate policy around the world.  While the findings have come as no surprise to campaigners calling out corporate lobbying on climate policy, the research highlights the key role trade associations continue to play in influencing policy-makers and watering down climate policy.Edward Collins, project manager at InfluenceMap, told DeSmog UK that trade associations are doing the “dirty work” and lobby for much stronger positions than their members support in public.“A lot of the worst lobbying activities are being increasingly outsourced to trade groups as companies are more weary to take it on themselves to directly lobby government and put their names to it,” he said.<h3 dir="ltr" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 1.28205em; margin-top: 1.28205em; margin-bottom: 1.28205em;">Ranking corporate spin</h3>InfluenceMap used a scoring system to rank companies and trade associations according to how well their actions align with the Paris Agreement target of limiting temperature rise “well below two degrees” above pre-industrial levels.The analysis selected the top 200 companies of the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/global2000/#61cf2d1335d8" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">2018 Forbes Global 2000</a>, a list of all publicly-traded companies from 60 countries which this year collectively accounted for a market value of $56.8 trillion.Financial companies and state-owned enterprises listed on Forbes Global 2000 were yet excluded from InfluenceMap’s analysis.The think tank ranked companies from A to F as an indicator of how ready they are for a global low-carbon policy — taking into account their membership to trade associations.<a href="https://influencemap.org/filter/List-of-Companies-and-Influencers" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; outline: none;">Among the 25 most influential companies of the list,</a> Ikea, Apple, Unilever and SSE ranked the highest and scored A on their positive engagement with climate policy.At the bottom of the table, the worst performing companies include a host of fossil fuel firms such as the Koch Industries, Chevron, Conoco Phillips, ExxonMobil and BP.<h3 dir="ltr" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 1.28205em; margin-top: 1.28205em; margin-bottom: 1.28205em;">The case of BP and Shell</h3>In the UK, InfluenceMap found SSE and The National Grid to be leading the way in terms of positive engagement with climate policy. But Shell and BP ranked a D and an E+ respectively for obstructing climate policy through covert lobbying means while publicly supporting climate action.The report argues that BP appears to have “a negative and conflicting approach to climate regulation”.It says that while BP has shown evidence of support for <a href="https://influencemap.org/evidence/Partially-consistent-with-IPCC-need-for-drastic-action-fd324389fd0ebea29f9db718cfde100a" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">action on reducing greenhouse gas emissions</a> and <a href="https://influencemap.org/score/BP-Q4-D5" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">the UN climate negotiation process</a>, the company “ultimately does not appear to be aligned with a transition to a low-carbon future and has stressed concerns against the case for ambitious emission reductions”.The report cites examples from 2015 when BP CEO Bob Dudley publicly supported a carbon tax and energy efficiency regulation and chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg used his <a href="https://influencemap.org/evidence/Supporting-renewable-energy-legislation-46305f7c6bbfeeb43305ae8382a4b843" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">opening speech to investors</a> at the company’s AGM to talk about energy transition and BP’s support for renewable energy subsidies.Yet, the same year, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/aug/20/bp-lobbied-against-eu-support-clean-energy-favour-gas-documents-reveal" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">a </a>Guardian investigation YYY revealed that BP lobbied to undermine EU renewable energy targets and subsidies in favour of gas.  In 2016, another <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/20/eu-dropped-climate-policies-after-bp-threat-oil-industry-exodus" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">Guardian investigation</a> found that the EU dropped policy to cut pollution and speed-up clean energy uptake after receiving a letter from a top BP executive warning of an industry “exodus” from Europe if the proposals went ahead.BP is also a member of the <a href="https://www.appea.com.au/about-appea/members/" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association </a>(APPEA), <a href="https://www.fuelseurope.eu/about-us/members/" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">FuelsEurope</a> and the <a href="http://www.nam.org/" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">National Association of Manufacturing</a>, trade groups which have consistently opposed ambitious climate change policy in Australia, Europe, and the US.BP did not respond to DeSmog UK’s request for comment in time for publication.<hr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: content-box; height: 0px; border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-image: initial; margin: 1.5em 0px;" />The report found that Shell had “mixed and sometimes conflicting engagement with climate change policy”.It argued that while Shell accepts climate change science and has shown support for the Paris Agreement, public statements from the company’s leadership have “repetitively suggested that action on climate change should be balanced against the economic feasibility of emission reduction”.The report also found that while Shell said it embraced a low-carbon transition, CEO Ben Van Beurden previously said gas will be<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-20/the-future-of-big-oil-at-shell-it-s-not-oil" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;"> an indefinite part of the energy mix</a> and that the company <a href="https://influencemap.org/score/Royal-Dutch-Shell-Q10-D5" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">repeatedly</a> said that a large-scale dependence on fossil fuels will be necessary <a href="https://influencemap.org/evidence/Supporting-maintenance-of-high-GHG-emissions-energy-mix-c84fc94071daacb9d794af4224393b72" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">“for decades to come</a>”.Shell is also a member of a number of trade associations obstructing climate action including <a href="https://www.businesseurope.eu/about-us/asgroup-our-partner-companies" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">BusinessEurope</a>, <a href="https://www.fuelseurope.eu/about-us/members/" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">FuelsEurope</a>, <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/western-states-petroleum-association" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">Western States Petroleum Association</a>, the <a href="http://www.nam.org/" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">National Association of Manufacturers</a>, <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/american-petroleum-institute" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">The American Petroleum Institute</a>, the <a href="https://thenarwhal.ca/how-oil-lobbyists-pressured-canada-allow-drilling-marine-park/" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers</a> and <a href="https://www.appea.com.au/about-appea/members/" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">APPEA</a>.Pascoe Sabido, from Corporate Europe Observatory, warned that fossil fuel companies’ “sleek PR” was a “dangerous distraction” from the level of climate action needed to achieve the Paris Agreement goals.He added that narratives which put gas at the heart of a “clean energy strategy” would allow fossil fuel companies to continue business as usual and should not go unchallenged.  A Shell spokeswoman said climate change is “an immense societal challenge that Shell has long recognised and where we are committed to playing a constructive role, moving in step with society towards a lower carbon future”. She added that society faced a dual challenge of “meeting growing demand for energy, while at the same time transitioning to a lower carbon world”.She said that Shell belonged to many trade organisations “for a variety of reasons” including “workforce issues, technology innovation or economic development” and that the company did not always agree with the views of these organisations on every issue. “Where this is the case, we look at the totality of the organisation not a single issue,” she said.  <h3 dir="ltr" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 1.28205em; margin-top: 1.28205em; margin-bottom: 1.28205em;">Trade Associations: Powerful lobbying vehicles</h3>Since the election of Donald Trump in 2016, Collins, of Influence Map, said the roll back of Obama-era climate and environmental policies in the US did have an impact on the report’s findings but that lobbying continued to be rife in Europe.“In Europe, lobbyists tend to be more focused on the small print and the technical details of legislation debated in the corridors of the European Commission. This is how a lot of legislation gets watered down without the public understanding what is happening,” he said.Sabido, from Corporate Europe Observatory, described the work of these trade groups as “lobbying vehicles” engaged in a “race to the bottom”.He said companies sometimes had to accept other members’ strong lobbying demands if they wanted the trade group to address their own concerns and issues.“We have to be clear that trade associations are a convenient front for companies, which can pursue their own branding strategies while the trading associations do the dirty work,” he said. Sabido added that the “symbiotic relationship” between fossil fuel companies and governments across Europe had to end in order for policy-makers to decide on ambition climate policy without interference from fossil fuel lobbyists.<h3 dir="ltr" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 1.28205em; margin-top: 1.28205em; margin-bottom: 1.28205em;">Climate risk and shareholders’ interest</h3>In recent years, the financial sector has ramped up its warning that failing to tackle climate change could <a href="https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/climate-change" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">disrupt financial stability and the economy</a>.Earlier this year, Bank of England governor Mark Carney said <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/apr/06/mark-carney-warns-climate-change-threat-financial-system" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">climate change could have a “catastrophic impact” on the financial system</a> and that companies had to acknowledge and disclose climate-related risks to their business.Commenting on InfluenceMap’s findings, Tom Burke, chairman of the environment policy think tank E3G, told DeSmog UK that “it was not rare for businesses to speak out of both sides of their mouth” but warned that failing to positively engage with climate policy was not in the interest of these companies’ shareholders.“If climate policy succeeds, it will be tough on the fossil fuel industry who will be out of business. But they represent about 10 percent of the market.“If climate policy fails, the remaining 90 percent of the market will have its interest damaged. The fossil fuel industry is effectively eating the lunch of the rest of the financial sector,” he said.</div></div></div></div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">
</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">=</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/these-corporations-have-biggest-influence-climate-policy" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/these-corporations-have-biggest-influence-climate-policy</a></div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">
</div><div style="">For better or worse, corporations have a major influence on <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">climate change</a> policy. Just look at <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/koch-brothers" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">Koch</a> Industries, a multinational conglomerate owned by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch that has <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.php?id=d000000186&cycle=A" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">contributed</a> hundreds of millions to federal candidates and lobbying over the last 25 years.The "Corporate Carbon Policy Footprint," a new analysis from U.K. nonprofit <a href="http://influencemap.org/" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">InfluenceMap</a>, now ranks Koch Industries as the company with the strongest opposition to the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/paris-agreement" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">Paris climate agreement</a> and most intensely lobbies against policies in line with the landmark global accord.The InfluenceMap <a href="http://influencemap.org/page/About-our-Scores" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">scoring system</a> does not measure a company's actual greenhouse gas emissions. Rather, it measures "the extent to which a corporation is supporting or obstructing the climate policy process."For the InfluenceMap report, researchers analyzed more than "<a href="https://influencemap.org/filter/List-of-Companies-and-Influencers" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">30,000 pieces of evidence</a>" on 250 global companies and 50 major trade associations on their lobbying records, advertising, public relations and sponsored research, according to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-12/these-companies-are-most-influential-in-climate-policy-debates" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">Bloomberg</a>.The research group gave the Wichita-based company <a href="https://influencemap.org/company/Koch-Industries" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">an "F" grade</a> for its anti-climate actions:"Koch Industries appears to be actively opposing almost all areas of climate legislation. In 2014 in the US, they were <a href="https://influencemap.org/evidence/Not-supporting-carbon-tax-9a8bc27ae8008a57e3beae9f2d1b4aba" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">reportedly active</a> in their opposition to a carbon tax, funding <a href="https://influencemap.org/evidence/Opposing-carbon-tax-a53c1bbc8a94c65d01d385d012a92078" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">politicians</a> and <a href="https://influencemap.org/evidence/Opposing-carbon-tax-62622d6b179ce88903699c10a29eac0a" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">campaigns</a> to oppose the tax. Similarly, in 2014 they appear to have opposed the U.S. EPA Clean Power Plan in <a href="https://influencemap.org/evidence/Opposing-GHG-emissions-standards-5f0a1cd5fcc94df4266d414a3bfc16be" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">consultation</a> and through <a href="https://influencemap.org/score/Koch-Industries-Q11-D5" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">direct engagement with policy makers</a>, and boasted about <a href="https://influencemap.org/evidence/Opposing-emissions-trading-2732ce23d80fde2f613b75d57f89a96e" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">their success</a> in blocking the US Cap and Trade Scheme in 2010. Additionally, they appear to be opposing measures to transition to a low carbon economy, advocating against <a href="https://influencemap.org/score/Koch-Industries-Q9-D2" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">renewable energy subsidies</a>, and funding groups that have opposed <a href="https://influencemap.org/evidence/Not-supporting-energy-efficiency-standards-175c9a8f15d95e4fc4270f7908b94bf2" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">energy efficiency standards</a>, the <a href="https://influencemap.org/score/Koch-Industries-Q10-D5" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">repeal of fossil fuel subsidies</a> and <a href="https://influencemap.org/score/Koch-Industries-Q2-D5" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">the need for action on climate change</a>. They seem to be <a href="https://influencemap.org/score/Koch-Industries-Q9-D5" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">exceptionally active in opposing renewable energy standards</a> across the U.S. Both <a href="https://influencemap.org/score/Koch-Industries-Q1-D2" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">the organization</a> and its CEO, <a href="https://influencemap.org/evidence/Supporting-climate-change-denial-89f9d5305e3f442e407aba0007783fb5" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">Charles Koch</a>, appear to have questioned climate change science, and have reportedly <a href="https://influencemap.org/evidence/Supporting-climate-change-denial-f9955585659cd26f237341f69aa793f9" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">funded climate denial</a>. Senior executives are active in both the <a href="https://influencemap.org/influencer/National-Association-of-Manufacturing-NAM" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">National Association of Manufacturers</a> and <a href="https://influencemap.org/influencer/American-Legislative-Exchange-Council-ALEC" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">ALEC</a>, which also appear to be resisting climate change related regulations and policies."On the opposite end of the spectrum, Silicon Valley tech giant Apple was ranked highest on the list and <a href="https://influencemap.org/company/Apple-385f398538b2e6145dcb8afdc945c263" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">has an A+</a> for its support of climate change action and its positive engagement with a number of climate change policy areas.Here are the report's key findings:<ul style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><li>35 of the 50 most influential are actively lobbying against climate policy. They include companies in the fossil fuel value chain (ExxonMobil, Valero Energy, Chevron), energy intensive companies (BASF, ArcelorMittal, Bayer, Dow Chemical and Solvay) and electric utilities with large amounts of coal generating capacity (Southern Company, Duke Energy and American Electric Power).</li><li>Also in this group of 35 influential companies holding back climate policy are four powerful automotive manufacturers (Fiat Chrysler, Ford, BMW and Daimler). The research found the companies lobbying to delay or dilute efficiency and CO2 emissions standards and procedures both in Europe and North America. Depending on region, passenger vehicle emissions account for 12% or more of all greenhouse gas emissions.</li><li>On the other side, 15 of the 50 most influential are pushing for an ambitious climate policy agenda, favoring renewable power and electric vehicles. They include signatories to the RE100 initiative committing to buying 100% renewable power (Apple, Ikea, Unilever, Coca Cola and Nestle) as well as power sector companies (SSE, Enel, EDF, Iberdrola and National Grid) who are shifting their business models towards low carbon electricity generation.</li></ul>"The data shows the climate policy agenda, in terms of corporate influencing, is being driven by a small number of massive global corporations," Dylan Tanner, InfluenceMap executive director, said in a statement. "It also shows a group of powerful of companies in the tech, consumer goods and utilities sectors increasingly pushing for policy to implement the Paris Agreement."InfluenceMap also ranked "<a href="https://influencemap.org/filter/List-of-Companies-and-Influencers" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">influencers</a>" or powerful trade associations that actively lobby against climate policies. A number of trade associations received an "F" grade, but here are the bottom five: U.S. Chamber of Commerce; American Petroleum Institute; American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity; National Mining Association; and the American Legislative Exchange Council.Check out the <a href="http://influencemap.org/filter/List-of-Companies-and-Influencers" target="blank" style="text-decoration-line: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none;">full list here</a>.</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">
</div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></div>

This article contains the names of corporate trade groups that are known to be, or have been, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Legislative_Exchange_Council" title="American Legislative Exchange Council" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">American Legislative Exchange Council</a> (ALEC) members or supporters.

This is a partial list. You can add to it, if you cite your source.

Those groups known to be currently involved with ALEC, as of July 2011, appear in bold.

<h2 style="background-image: none; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.6em; overflow: hidden; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.17em; border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(170, 170, 170); width: auto; line-height: 19.2px;">Corporate Board</h2>

As of 2011, trade groups on <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Boards_and_Task_Forces#.22Private_Enterpise.22_Board_of_Directors" title="ALEC Boards and Task Forces" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">ALEC's corporate board</a> are:<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Private_Enterprise_Board-0" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[1]</a>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Bail_Coalition" title="American Bail Coalition" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">American Bail Coalition</a>, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/William_Carmichael" title="William Carmichael" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">William Carmichael</a>, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Jerry_Watson" title="Jerry Watson" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Jerry Watson</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/PhRMA" title="PhRMA" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">PhRMA</a>, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Jeff_Bond" title="Jeff Bond" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Jeff Bond</a></li>

</ul>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Academy of General Dentistry, Exhibitor at ALEC's 2011 Annual Conference<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Corporate_Chairs-1" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Air Transport Association of America<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">American Association of Christian Schools (an organization of Christian schools that "has historically been a voice for Christian education in Washington, D.C. Today that purpose is carried on with even greater vigor. Protecting member schools from government entanglement, as well as promoting religious freedom, Christian education, and family values are the driving principles in directing the AACS legislative effort. . . . Membership will not be afforded to those associated with, members of, or in accord with the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches, the Modern Charismatic Movement or the Ecumenical Movement."<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-3" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[4]</a>)<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Association_of_Health_Plans" title="American Association of Health Plans" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">American Association of Health Plans</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">American Automobile Manufacturers Association (now the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Alliance_of_Automobile_Manufacturers" title="Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers</a>)<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Bail_Coalition" title="American Bail Coalition" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">American Bail Coalition</a>, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Boards_and_Task_Forces#.22Private_Enterprise.22_Board_of_Directors" title="ALEC Boards and Task Forces" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Private Enterprise Board</a> member<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Private_Enterprise_Board-0" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[1]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Bankers_Association" title="American Bankers Association" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">American Bankers Association</a>, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Commerce,_Insurance_and_Economic_Development_Task_Force" title="Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force</a> Executive Committee member<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Commerce_Executive_Committee-5" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[6]</a> and Financial Services Subcommittee Private Sector Chair<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-MeetingAgenda-6" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[7]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Chemistry_Council" title="American Chemistry Council" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">American Chemistry Council</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a>, "Director" level sponsor of ALEC's 2011 "States & Nation Policy Summit,"<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-S.26Nsponsors-7" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[8]</a> member of ALEC's <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Energy,_Environment_and_Agriculture_Task_Force" title="Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-EEASD-8" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[9]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Coalition_for_Clean_Coal_Electricity" title="American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity</a>, "Chairman" level sponsor of 2011 ALEC Annual Conference<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-2011_Conference_Sponsors-9" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[10]</a> ($50,000 in 2010),<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Sponsorship_Levels-10" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[11]</a> and sponsor of the 2012 States & Nation Policy Summit in Washington, DC.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-SNPS_2012-11" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[12]</a> President and CEO Steve Miller spoke on "A Smarter Approach to Improving our Environment: Addressing the Costs of Proposed EPA Regulations on Energy Affordability," sponsored by the Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force, at the 2011 ALEC Annual Meeting<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-EEAMeetingMaterials-12" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[13]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">American Council of Life Insurance<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Gas_Association" title="American Gas Association" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">American Gas Association</a>, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Energy,_Environment_and_Agriculture_Task_Force" title="Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force</a> member<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-13" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[14]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">American Institute of Certified Public Accountants<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Insurance_Association" title="American Insurance Association" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">American Insurance Association</a>, sponsor of the 2012 States & Nation Policy Summit in Washington, DC.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-SNPS_2012-11" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[12]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">American Massage Therapy Association, Exhibitor at ALEC's 2011 Annual Conference<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Corporate_Chairs-1" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">American Optometric Association, Exhibitor at ALEC's 2011 Annual Conference<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Corporate_Chairs-1" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Petroleum_Institute" title="American Petroleum Institute" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">American Petroleum Institute</a>, Exhibitor at ALEC's 2011 Annual Conference<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Corporate_Chairs-1" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Plastics_Council" title="American Plastics Council" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">American Plastics Council</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">American Shooting Sports Council (former gun industry trade association)<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Tort_Reform_Association" title="American Tort Reform Association" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">American Tort Reform Association</a>,<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a> ALEC <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Civil_Justice_Task_Force" title="Civil Justice Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Civil Justice Task Force</a> member<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CJMeetingAgenda-14" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[15]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Trucking_Association" title="American Trucking Association" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">American Trucking Association</a>,<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a> <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Commerce,_Insurance_and_Economic_Development_Task_Force" title="Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force</a> Executive Committee member<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Commerce_Executive_Committee-5" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[6]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">America's Credit Unions, Exhibitor at ALEC's 2011 Annual Conference<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Corporate_Chairs-1" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Amusement and Music Operators Association ("a diverse group of companies engaged in the coin-operated amusement industry"<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-15" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[16]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Associated Bond & Insurance Agency<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Associated Builders and Contractors (representing merit shop contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers and related firms)<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Associated Industries of Florida<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Association for Commercial Real Estate<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Association for the Management and Operations of Transportation Infrastructure Assets (AMOTIA), ALEC <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Commerce,_Insurance_and_Economic_Development_Task_Force" title="Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force</a> member<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-MeetingAgenda-6" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[7]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Association of American Physicians and Surgeons ("founded in 1943 to guard against the intrusion of government into the practice of medicine"<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-16" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[17]</a>)<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Association of American Railroads<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Association of Christian Schools<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Association of Health Insurance Agents<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Health_1993-17" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[18]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_State_Chairmen" title="ALEC State Chairmen" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">State corporate co-chair</a> of Missouri<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Corporate_Chairs-1" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities, Exhibitor at ALEC's 2011 Annual Conference<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Corporate_Chairs-1" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a></li>

</ul>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Biotechnology_Industry_Organization" title="Biotechnology Industry Organization" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Biotechnology Industry Organization</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

</ul>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Campaign to Keep Travel Competitive (former travel industry lobbying group)<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Carpet and Rug Institute<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-18" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[19]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Center for Liquefied Natural Gas, Exhibitor at ALEC's 2011 Annual Conference<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Corporate_Chairs-1" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Chemical Manufacturers Association (now <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Chemistry_Council" title="American Chemistry Council" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">American Chemistry Council</a>)<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a>, "Director" level sponsor of ALEC's 2011 "States & Nation Policy Summit"<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-S.26Nsponsors-7" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[8]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Cigar Association</li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Chlorine_Chemistry_Council" title="Chlorine Chemistry Council" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Chlorine Chemistry Council</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Cigar Association of America, Inc.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Cintra USA (Concesiones de Infraestructuras de Transporte, one of the largest private developers of transport infrastructure in the world), ALEC <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Commerce,_Insurance_and_Economic_Development_Task_Force" title="Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force</a> member<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-19" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[20]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-MeetingAgenda-6" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[7]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (automotive aftermarket trade group)<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Council_for_Affordable_Health_Insurance" title="Council for Affordable Health Insurance" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Council for Affordable Health Insurance</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Council on State Taxation (COST), ALEC <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Tax_and_Fiscal_Policy_Task_Force" title="Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force</a> member<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-TaxMeetingAgenda-20" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[21]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/CropLife_America" title="CropLife America" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">CropLife America</a> (formerly the American Crop Protection Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a>), ALEC <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Energy,_Environment_and_Agriculture_Task_Force" title="Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force</a> Member<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-21" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[22]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-EEANOLA-22" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[23]</a>"Agriculture Subcommittee"<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-EEACharlotte-23" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[24]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-EEAScottsdale-24" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[25]</a></li>

</ul>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/DISCUS" title="DISCUS" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">DISCUS</a>)<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

</ul>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Edison Electric Institute,<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a> Exhibitor at ALEC's 2011 Annual Conference,<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Corporate_Chairs-1" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a> and sponsor of the 2012 States & Nation Policy Summit in Washington, DC.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-SNPS_2012-11" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[12]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Electricity Consumers Resource Council<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Electronic Industries Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Entertainment Software Association, ALEC <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Telecommunications_and_Information_Technology_Task_Force" title="Telecommunications and Information Technology Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Telecommunications and Information Technology Task Force</a> member,<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-TITMeetingAgenda-25" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[26]</a> Member of ALEC Utah Host Committee for 2012 annual meeting<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-SLC_Agenda-26" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[27]</a></li>

</ul>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Georgia Medical Assocation<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Health_1993-17" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[18]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Grocery_Manufacturers_of_America" title="Grocery Manufacturers of America" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Grocery Manufacturers of America</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

</ul>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Health Insurance Association of America (merged with American Association of Health Plans in 2003 to become <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/America%27s_Health_Insurance_Plans" title="America's Health Insurance Plans" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">America's Health Insurance Plans</a> or<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/AHIP" title="AHIP" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">AHIP</a>)<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Health_1993-17" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[18]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

</ul>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Illinois Corn Marketing Board<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Illinois Energy Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Illinois Financial Services Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Illinois Petroleum Council<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Illinois Retail Merchants Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Illinois Road Builders Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Illinois Soybean Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Illinois State Medical Society<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Independent_Insurance_Agents_of_America" title="Independent Insurance Agents of America" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Independent Insurance Agents of America</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Indiana Chamber of Commerce: Trustee Level Sponsor of ALEC's 2012 meeting in Salt Lake City. <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-27" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[28]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Indiana Energy Association: Trustee Level Sponsor of ALEC's 2012 meeting in Salt Lake City. <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-28" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[29]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">International Council of Shopping Centers<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">International Franchise Association,<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a> ALEC <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Commerce,_Insurance_and_Economic_Development_Task_Force" title="Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force</a> member<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-MeetingAgenda-6" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[7]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">International Mass Retail Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Iowa Life and Health Insurance Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Iowa Utility Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

</ul>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Louisiana Chemical Association, "Trustee" level sponsor of 2011 ALEC Annual Conference<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-2011_Conference_Sponsors-9" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[10]</a> ($5,000 in 2010)<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Sponsorship_Levels-10" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[11]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Louisiana Railroads Association, "Trustee" level sponsor of 2011 ALEC Annual Conference<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-2011_Conference_Sponsors-9" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[10]</a> ($5,000 in 2010)<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Sponsorship_Levels-10" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[11]</a> and member of Louisiana Host Committee<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Corporate_Chairs-1" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Louisiana Realtors, "Trustee" level sponsor of 2011 ALEC Annual Conference<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-2011_Conference_Sponsors-9" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[10]</a> ($5,000 in 2010)<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Sponsorship_Levels-10" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[11]</a> and Louisiana Host Committee member<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Corporate_Chairs-1" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a></li>

</ul>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Medical Association of Georgia<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Michigan Association of Realtors ("the state’s largest professional real estate trade association"<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-29" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[30]</a>), <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_State_Chairmen" title="ALEC State Chairmen" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">State corporate co-chair</a> of Michigan<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Corporate_Chairs-1" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Mineral Resource Alliance<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Missouri Association of Realtors, sponsor of "Missouri Night" at Antoine's Restaurant in New Orleans during the 2011 ALEC Annual Meeting<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-SLPD-30" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[31]</a></li>

</ul>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Association for Home Care<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Health_1993-17" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[18]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Association for the Self-Employed<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Association of Bail Insurance Companies<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a> (became the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Bail_Coalition" title="American Bail Coalition" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">American Bail Coalition</a> in 2001)</li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Association of Convenience Stores<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Association of Home Builders<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Association of Independent Insurers<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/National_Association_of_Mutual_Insurance_Companies" title="National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-31" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[32]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Commerce_Executive_Committee-5" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[6]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Association of Professional Employer Organizations<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Association of the Self-Employed<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Health_1993-17" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[18]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Association of Water Companies, ALEC <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Commerce,_Insurance_and_Economic_Development_Task_Force" title="Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force</a> member<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-MeetingAgenda-6" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[7]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Beer Wholesalers Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Commerce_Executive_Committee-5" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[6]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Business Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Health_1993-17" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[18]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Cable and Telecommunications Association, ALEC <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Telecommunications_and_Information_Technology_Task_Force" title="Telecommunications and Information Technology Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Telecommunications and Information Technology Task Force</a> member<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-TITMeetingAgenda-25" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[26]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Council for Private School Accreditation<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Court Reporters Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Federation of Independent Business<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Health_1993-17" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[18]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Noble_Ellington_NPR-32" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[33]</a>, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_State_Chairmen" title="ALEC State Chairmen" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">State corporate co-chair</a> of Alabama,<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Corporate_Chairs-1" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a> recipient in August 2011 of ALEC's <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Award_Winners" title="ALEC Award Winners" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Private Sector Member of the Year Award</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-2011_Awards-33" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[34]</a> and speaker-- via its Manager of Legislative Affairs, Kevin Kuhlman-- on "Health Insurance Exchanges: States in Charge!" at ALEC's 2011 Annual Meeting<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Workshop.238-34" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[35]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Independent Private Schools Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Multi Housing Council<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Pawn Brokers Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Public_Safety_Executive_Committee-35" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[36]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/National_Pork_Producers_Council" title="National Pork Producers Council" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">National Pork Producers Council</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/National_Restaurant_Association" title="National Restaurant Association" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">National Restaurant Association</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/National_Rural_Electric_Cooperative_Association" title="National Rural Electric Cooperative Association" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">National Rural Electric Cooperative Association</a> sponsored the 2012 States & Nation Policy Meeting in Washington, DC.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-SNPS_2012-11" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[12]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/National_Soft_Drink_Association" title="National Soft Drink Association" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">National Soft Drink Association</a> (now the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Beverage_Association" title="American Beverage Association" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">American Beverage Association</a>)<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">National Society of Public Accountants<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Nationwide Insurance Companies<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">NetChoice ("coalition of trade associations, eCommerce businesses, and online consumers"<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-36" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[37]</a>), "Director" level sponsor of 2011 ALEC Annual Conference<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-2011_Conference_Sponsors-9" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[10]</a> ($10,000 in 2010)<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Sponsorship_Levels-10" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[11]</a> - Executive Director Steve DelBianco also spoke on the "Exploring ALEC positions on E-commerce and E-taxes" panel at the 2011 ALEC Annual Meeting in New Orleans.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-E-commerce-37" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[38]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Nevada Mining Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Non-Bank Funds Transmitters Group<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Nonprescription Drug Manufacturers Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Health_1993-17" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[18]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Nuclear_Energy_Institute" title="Nuclear Energy Institute" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Nuclear Energy Institute</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

</ul>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Oxygenated Fuels Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

</ul>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Performance Marketing Association (represents the performance and affiliate marketing industry) - Executive Director Rebecca Madigan spoke on the "Exploring ALEC positions on E-commerce and E-taxes" panel at the 2011 ALEC Annual Meeting in New Orleans.<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-E-commerce-37" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[38]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/PhRMA" title="PhRMA" class="mw-redirect" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">PhRMA</a>, <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Boards_and_Task_Forces#.22Private_Enterprise.22_Board_of_Directors" title="ALEC Boards and Task Forces" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">ALEC Private Enterprise Board</a> member,<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Private_Enterprise_Board-0" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[1]</a> <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/International_Relations_Task_Force" title="International Relations Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">International Relations Task Force</a> member,<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-IRMeetingAgenda-38" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[39]</a> 2011 recipient of ALEC's <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Award_Winners" title="ALEC Award Winners" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Private Sector Member of the Year Award</a>,<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-2011_Awards-33" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[34]</a> "Chairman" level sponsor of 2011 ALEC Annual Conference<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-2011_Conference_Sponsors-9" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[10]</a> ($50,000 in 2010),<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Sponsorship_Levels-10" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[11]</a> Louisiana Host Committee member<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Corporate_Chairs-1" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a> and sponsor of Louisiana Governor <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Bobby_Jindal" title="Bobby Jindal" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Bobby Jindal</a>'s plenary luncheon speech as well as a speech by PhRMA President and CEO <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/John_Castellani" title="John Castellani" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">John Castellani</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-2011_Awards-33" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[34]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Professional Bail Agents of the US<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Property Casualty Insurers of America, ALEC <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Civil_Justice_Task_Force" title="Civil Justice Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Civil Justice Task Force</a> member<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CJMeetingAgenda-14" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[15]</a></li>

</ul>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Self Insurance Institute of America<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a> (member-based association dedicated to protecting the business interests of companies involved in the self-insurance/alternative risk transfer industry)</li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Society of Louisiana CPAs, "Trustee" level sponsor of 2011 ALEC Annual Conference<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-2011_Conference_Sponsors-9" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[10]</a> ($5,000 in 2010)<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Sponsorship_Levels-10" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[11]</a> and Louisiana Host Committee member<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Corporate_Chairs-1" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[2]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Smokeless_Tobacco_Council" title="Smokeless Tobacco Council" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Smokeless Tobacco Council</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Steel Recycling Institute<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

</ul>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/TechAmerica" title="TechAmerica" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">TechAmerica</a>, co-chair of ALEC <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Telecommunications_and_Information_Technology_Task_Force" title="Telecommunications and Information Technology Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Telecommunications and Information Technology Task Force</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-39" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[40]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">TechFreedom (self-described "non-profit, non-partisan technology policy think tank"<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-40" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[41]</a>)<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-TITMeetingAgenda-25" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[26]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Texas Medical Association<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Health_1993-17" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[18]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Tobacco_Institute" title="Tobacco Institute" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Tobacco Institute</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-ALEC_Watch-2" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[3]</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-CLEAR-4" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[5]</a></li>

</ul>

<li style=" margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/U.S._Chamber_of_Commerce" title="U.S. Chamber of Commerce" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">U.S. Chamber of Commerce</a> Global Intellectual Property Center, ALEC <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Telecommunications_and_Information_Technology_Task_Force" title="Telecommunications and Information Technology Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">Telecommunications and Information Technology Task Force</a><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-TITMeetingAgenda-25" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[26]</a> and<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/International_Relations_Task_Force" title="International Relations Task Force" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none;">International Relations Task Force</a> member<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-IRMeetingAgenda-38" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[39]</a></li>

</ul>

<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America<a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/ALEC_Trade_Groups#cite_note-Public_Safety_Executive_Committee-35" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; white-space: nowrap;">[36]</a></li>

</ul>