Trade Association Climate Review
June 2021
Executive summary
Executive summary
Enbridge maintains membership in trade associations for two primary reasons: (1) to inform the development of sound public policy, including legislative and regulatory processes relevant to our business; and (2) to benefit from – and contribute to – sharing of best practices relating to the establishment of technical and industry standards.
Enbridge is committed to taking a leadership role in the transition to a lower-emission economy. We believe that the world must find new ways to meet global energy demand while reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As a leading energy infrastructure company, we have a responsibility to help address climate change. That is why we established new GHG emissions reduction goals aligned with the aspirations of the Paris Agreement and the guidance of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It is also why we have conducted this analysis to determine whether the positions held by our trade associations align with Enbridge's climate-related policies. While our positions may not always align with our trade associations, we find real value in the opportunity to influence policy positions. Trade associations help make our voice heard with regulators and policymakers on critical topics such as climate change. We understand the positions reflect a compromise of the assorted views of the membership and our priority is to work to influence within our trade associations.
In late 2020, Enbridge announced plans to reduce the intensity of GHG emissions from our operations by 35% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions from our business by 2050. To meet our 2030 emission targets and our 2050 net-zero ambition, we have set out pathways that are strongly aligned and embedded in our strategy and business plans. These include: (1) modernization and innovation applied to existing infrasture to reduce emissions intensity; (2) building and operating solar self-power generation facilities and procuring more low carbon electricity; (3) purchasing offsets and carbon credits; and (4) investing in and deploying innovative technologies, such as hydrogen, renewable natural gas, carbon capture utilization and sequestration to address climate change. We also have a large North American wind and solar power footprint, with a growing offshore wind energy presence in Europe. We support the goals of the Paris Agreement and advocate for efficient and effective public policies designed to reduce emissions.
Enbridge Inc.
Review methodology
This report details how Enbridge's climate change and energy transition positions relate to the positions taken by eight key trade associations. While we consistently review our membership in trade associations, 2021 marks the first year that we conducted detailed analysis of key trade associations' climate positions against our own.
Our review began with an internal discussion about the appropriate criteria to employ in this exercise. Ultimately, two criteria were selected for determining which trade associations were to be covered by this review: (1) associations to which we pay $50,000 or more in dues; and (2) associations that are active in climate-related policy discussions. Our methodology involved reviewing current policy statements, publicly available information and submissions to determine each association's climate positions. We then compared these against Enbridge positions to determine whether sufficient alignment exists to justify continued support for the specific trade association.
The views and conclusions in this review are those of Enbridge and where specific policy positions were not publicly available, we made reasonable interpretations and judgements to arrive at our conclusions.
Ongoing efforts
This review represents another step in the process of continuing to engage with trade associations on climate-related policy issues. We are committed to continuing to actively monitor our memberships, participation, and alignment. We will provide material updates to our stakeholders in our annual sustainability report, as appropriate.
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American Clean Power Association (ACP)
Launched in January 2021, ACP represents the renewable energy industry in the U.S. and is focused on championing policies that will transform the U.S. power grid to a low-cost, reliable and renewable power system. ACP was created when the American Wind Energy Association, the largest wind trade group in the U.S., broadened its mission to include other sources of renewable energy.
ACP mission statement
By uniting the power of wind, solar, transmission and storage companies and their allied industries, both public and private, we are championing policies that enable the continued and aggressive growth in renewable energy in the United States.
Engagement and alignment
Enbridge is represented on the board of directors by our Senior Vice President, Strategy and Power, and has representatives on various policy committees. The board was announced in March 2021. Enbridge has a growing renewables portfolio and we will use our membership to shape and advance ACP's policy agenda to ensure alignment.
Enbridge Inc.
American Gas Association (AGA)
AGA represents companies delivering natural gas safely, reliably, and in an environmentally responsible way to help improve the quality of life for their customers.
AGA climate position
AGA is committed to reducing GHG emissions through smart innovation, new and modernized infrastructure, and advanced technologies that maintain reliable, resilient, and affordable energy service choices for consumers.
Engagement and alignment
Enbridge is not represented on the board of directors but participates in a variety of technical and policy committees.
Enbridge derives benefit from the exchange of information and views on safety, legislation, sustainability and other technical and policy issues at various levels within the organization. Enbridge is aligned with AGA in climate-related policy positions and continues to remain engaged.
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American Petroleum Institute (API)
API represents members from across all segments of the natural gas and oil industry in the U.S. API's mission is to promote safety across the industry globally and to influence public policy in support of a strong, viable U.S. natural gas and oil industry.
API climate position
API and its members commit to delivering solutions that reduce the risks of climate change while meeting society's growing energy needs. We support global action that drives GHG emissions reduction and economic development.
The natural gas and oil industry plays a vital role in advancing human and economic prosperity that is essential to extending the benefits of modern life. One way the industry accomplishes this is by developing and deploying technologies and products that continue to reduce GHG emissions.
Engagement and alignment
Enbridge's President and CEO is a member of the board of directors and executive committee and company representatives participate on various policy and technical committees.
In 2021 API released its Climate Action Framework and adopted climate positions more closely aligned with Enbridge. Like Enbridge, API supports the ambitions of the Paris Agreement and endorsing a carbon price policy.
The Company recognizes the broader value of membership and we will work to influence climate-related policy details as the framework evolves.
Enbridge Inc.
Business Council of Canada (BCC)
Drawing on the experiences and expertise of membership, BCC provides unique insights, data-driven policy recommendations and in-depth analysis across a broad range of economic and social issues.
BCC climate position
Developing and promoting effective policies that reduce pollution and the environmental footprint of Canadian businesses, communities and citizens. Canadian industry is committed to the fight against climate change. To contribute innovative and lasting solutions, companies need a road map that provides clarity and predictability, anchored in a sound economic competitiveness framework.
Engagement and alignment
Enbridge's President and CEO joined the Board in June 2021.
Most recently, the BCC released its third policy paper Clean Growth 3.0 Achieving Canadian Prosperity in a Net Zero World. Smart public policy can ensure a healthy postCOVID recovery that creates jobs, builds strong and resilient communities, and puts Canada firmly on a path to achieving net-zero GHG emissions over the next three decades. We readily acknowledge that the scale of the challenge is enormous, but we are convinced that, with a supportive policy environment and sustained public and private investment, Canadians can look forward to a strong and vibrant economy that reaches the net-zero target by 2050.
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Canadian Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber is the largest business association in Canada, connecting businesses of all sizes, from all sectors and from all regions of the country to advocate for public policies that will foster a strong and competitive economic environment that will benefit not only businesses but communities and families across Canada.
Canadian Chamber climate position
Canada's resource sector can play a key role in reducing global emissions. Achieving this untapped potential requires a strategic focus, continued policy refinement and access to world markets. We must: (1) advocate for regulatory reform to ensure we can build the infrastructure to get our resources to world markets; (2) develop policy recommendations to ensure the decarbonization of our energy grids; (3) create the policy environment to allow our resource sector to modernize its operations and infrastructure while creating opportunities for a 21st-century labour force; and (4) provide Canadian business with the opportunity to take a leadership position on climate policy and meet our NDC targets with emission reduction pathways that are market-driven, flexible and at the lowest possible cost for businesses and Canadians.
Engagement and alignment
Enbridge benefits from the Chamber's broad range of topics and advocacy efforts and has representatives on various committees. The Chamber is an influential advocate for efficient and effective climate policy.
Enbridge Inc.
Canadian Gas Association (CGA)
CGA is the voice of Canada's natural gas delivery industry and its members are distribution companies, transmission companies, equipment manufacturers and other service providers. CGA works to demonstrate to energy influencers the value proposition of natural gas and natural gas delivery infrastructure for customers and our economy as a whole.
CGA vision
Canada's natural gas and its natural gas delivery infrastructure are recognized as essential to meet the long-term energy service needs of customers and the economy as a whole in an affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound manner.
Engagement and alignment
Enbridge's Executive Vice President and President, Enbridge Gas, is a member of the board of directors and first vice-chair. Enbridge engages with CGA to provide industry perspectives on policy issues, including development of a position on Net Zero by 2050. We remain aligned with CGA.
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Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
Voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada's energy future and work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. CanREA was established on July 1, 2020 when the Canadian Wind Energy Association and the Canadian Solar Industries Association united to create one voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions.
CanREA mission statement
To advocate on behalf of the wind energy, solar energy and energy storage industries to benefit Canada's economy and energy future. To increase stakeholder understanding that renewable electricity and energy storage are clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada's energy needs and provide a forum devoted to dialogue, collaboration, stewardship and growth of the industry.
Engagement and alignment
Enbridge is represented on the board of directors by our Director, Self-Power and JV Partnerships and has representatives on various policy committees.
Enbridge has a growing renewables portfolio and we will use our membership to shape and advance CanREA's policy agenda to ensure alignment.
Enbridge Inc.
Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA)
Advocates regulatory and legislative positions of importance to the natural gas pipeline industry in North America. INGAA represents the vast majority of the interstate natural gas transmission pipeline companies in the U.S. and Canada.
INGAA climate position
INGAA's commitments will include an active effort to do even more to address climate change by supporting renewables, as well as new and innovative technologies and process enhancements that will further reduce emissions. Working together, we are determined to support sound public policies that protect the environment while ensuring a safe, reliable and resilient energy transmission system that provides the affordable energy so many of our businesses and families need.
Identifying and continuing to implement long-term strategies to transition the industry and the individual INGAA member companies to lower emissions, while working as an industry towards reaching net-zero GHG emissions from natural gas transmission and storage operations by no later than 2050, supported by necessary technology advancements and sound public policy initiatives.
Engagement and alignment
Enbridge's Executive Vice President and President, Gas Transmission and Midstream, is a member of the board of directors. Enbridge is aligned with INGAA's climate policy positions and company representatives participate on various policy, technical, and environmental committees where we provde input to help shape and influence climate policy.
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