Audubon Society chief urges compromise

Oct. 26, 2005
While oil companies receive blame for greenhouse gases and climate change, the business community to which they belong provides leadership in addressing global warming, National Audubon Society Pres. John Flicker told the annual meeting of the Independent Petroleum Association of America.

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Oct. 26 -- While oil companies receive blame for greenhouse gases and climate change, the business community to which they belong provides leadership in addressing global warming, National Audubon Society Pres. John Flicker told the annual meeting of the Independent Petroleum Association of America.

He said oil companies provide efficiency and innovation that are good for both the environment and the economy.

Flicker called for compromise between environmentalists and the oil industry, saying it is time for "big picture views." The goals of IPAA members and Audubon members need not be at odds, Flicker said.

"When energy prices are high, everybody is starting to think of innovation and efficiency," Flicker said, adding that high crude oil and gasoline prices promote conservation.

He called for cooperation between the oil industry and environmentalists, saying that it is time to "get beyond our daily skirmishes."

"We're all down in the weeds, and we fight whatever is in front of us," Flicker said. "If we are going to seriously address global warming, we need leadership from Washington. We need your help to make that happen."

Global warming requires a global solution, and a rational energy strategy could pave the way toward resolution, Flicker said. He emphasized the need for reducing energy demand.

"The reduction should come first from foreign oil, not domestic oil," he said. It's unrealistic to expect the US to suddenly rely on renewable fuels because they currently cannot provide the energy supplies that fossil fuels provide, he said.