BHP keeps under regular review its alignment with the climate and energy policy positions taken by industry associations on matters of significance to BHP. The sections below provide further information on our review processes.
2017 industry association review
In September 2017, BHP committed to publish (by 31 December 2017):
- a list of the material differences between the positions BHP holds on climate and energy policy, and the advocacy positions on climate and energy policy taken by industry associations to which BHP belongs; and
- the outcomes of BHP’s current review of its membership of those industry associations.
The report setting out how we met these commitments can be accessed via the link below:
BHP Industry Association Review (PDF 177 kb)
2017 industry association review: update
As part of the Industry association review, BHP committed to make determinations in relation to our membership of the US Chamber of Commerce and the World Coal Association by 31 March 2018. Information on these determinations can be found here.
2018 industry association review
Our 2017 review identified four material differences between BHP and the Chamber on climate and energy policy. These differences relate to the policy areas of: emissions reduction targets; the Paris Agreement; the goal of restricting global warming to 2°C; and putting a price on carbon.
In March 2018, we determined that, due to the broader benefits BHP receives from membership, we would remain a member of the Chamber, subject to a number of actions. One of these actions included keeping our membership of the Chamber under review. We also accepted the invitation of the Chamber to join its Energy and Environment Committee.
Our 2018 review concluded that the US Chamber has largely refrained from policy activity or advocacy in relation to the differences identified, consistent with Principle 3 of our Industry Association Principles. Our review also found that BHP continues to receive benefit from the broader activities of the Chamber.
On April 8, 2019, the Chamber published a new climate change statement. We believe the statement represents an enhancement to the Chamber’s approach to climate change and has the potential to make a constructive contribution to policy discussion.
Based on the findings of our 2018 review and the Chamber’s new climate change statement, we have decided to remain a member of the Chamber at this time, subject to a number of actions. These actions will include: monitoring the Chamber’s ongoing advocacy approach for alignment with its new statement; continuing to expect that the Chamber will refrain from policy activity or advocacy on issues where no broad industry consensus exists; and keeping our membership of the Chamber under review.
2019 industry association review
The report outlining the findings and outcomes of BHP’s 2019 industry association review can be accessed via the link below:
BHP 2019 Industry Association Review (PDF 241 kb)
An earlier update that BHP published on its 2019 industry association review processes can be found here.
An update on BHP's membership of the New South Wales Minerals Council can be found here.
An update on BHP's membership of the Mining Association of Canada, the United States Chamber of Commerce and the American Petroleum Institute can be found here.