Shell Just Broke Up With ALEC Over Climate-Change Denials

http://fuelfix.com/blog/2015/08/07/shell-leaving-conservative-alec-over-climate-change-views/

August 7, 2015 | By Jordan Blum

Royal Dutch Shell said it will leave the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council, called ALEC, because of its “clearly inconsistent” stance on climate change.

Shell, which has become more vocal about calling climate change a threat along with some other energy giants like Total and BHP Billiton, followed the recent moves made by BP, ConocoPhillips and Occidental Petroleum in opting to leave ALEC, which is made up of conservative state legislators and numerous private sector interests.

“ALEC advocates for specific economic growth initiatives, but its stance on climate change is clearly inconsistent with our own,” Shell spokeswoman Kayla Macke said in an email response. “We have long recognized both the importance of the climate challenge and the critical role energy has in determining quality of life for people across the world.

“As part of an ongoing review of memberships and affiliations, we will be letting our association with ALEC lapse when the current contracted term ends early next year,” the company added.

•••••

At the same time, Shell has received recent criticism from environmentalists over its Arctic drilling plans.

ALEC representatives have been vocal in expressing skepticism toward climate change.

•••••

Angela Anderson, director of the Union of Concerned Scientists’ climate and energy program, said in a statement that ALEC is at odds with Shell’s acceptance of sound climate science.

•••••

Shell has supported countries around the world adopting carbon price policies.

•••••