By the OGJ Online Staff
WASHINGTON, DC, July 17 -- BP PLC has joined the Alliance to Save Energy, which promotes energy efficiency worldwide. It is the only petroleum company among 70 firms in the group.
US Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Energy and Natural Resources Committee chairman and alliance chairman, said, "As the world's third largest oil company, BP is a good example of how the private sector can utilize energy efficiency to not only affect their bottom line but also to improve the environment."
Alliance Pres. David M. Nemtzow said, "If a global company as diversified and energy intensive as BP can address their corporation's energy usage through efficiency and conservation measures, then other firms should certainly be able to painlessly follow suit."
He was referring to BP's program to control its greenhouse gas emissions through an internal program of energy management and emissions trading among individual business divisions.
In 1997 BP Chairman and CEO John Browne outlined an agenda to address the issue of climate change. BP has set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 10% by the year 2010 and has achieved its midway milestone.
BP's US Regional Pres. John Manzoni said, "BP recognizes the role energy plays in the economic security of every country and the personal security and quality of life of every individual. Promoting a balanced approach of conservation, energy efficiency, exploration and technology development is something we must all be focused on and involved in.
"We view the alliance as a key conduit in the constructive engagement process concerning these energy policy issues with both the administration and Congress in the current policy debate."
Nemtzow said BP is expected to play a role in the alliance's initiative to promote leadership in corporate energy management among the nation's leading CEOs and industry leaders.
