The API has different views on key elements of Total's climate change strategy
French energy firm Total will not be renewing its membership of US industry body American Petroleum Institute, it said January 15. It said that the body's objectives were only partly aligned with its own. The key divergences include the API's support for the rollback of US regulations on methane emissions; its opposition to subsidies for electric vehicles; and carbon pricing. Moreover, API gave its support during the recent elections to candidates who argued against the US’ participation in the Paris Agreement.
CEO Patrick Pouyanne said his company "acknowledges the API's considerable contribution, for over a century, to the development of our industry. Nevertheless, as part of our climate ambition made public in May 2020, we are committed to ensuring, in a transparent manner, that the industry associations of which we are a member adopt positions and messages that are aligned with those of the Group in the fight against climate change."
According to its website, the API has almost 600 members and works for a "strong and viable oil and natural gas industry."
(www.naturalgasworld.com, January 15, 2021)
