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2002
ANNUAL REPORT
Associates
Associates Position Themselves
as Key Industry Advocates in 2002
During 2002, The WSPA Associates program continued
to grow in numbers as they played a greater advocacy
role in WSPA's statewide regulatory and legislative
efforts. The challenging environment in California presented
opportunities for the Associates' participation in numerous
grass roots advocacy campaigns on behalf of the petroleum
industry. Members from all four chapters participated
in workshops and testified at hearings on issues dealing
with Title V Permits, diesel, water quality, safety
and proposed rules at local air districts. The Associates
key advocacy role is expected to grow in 2003.
In June, Representatives from all four WSPA Associates
chapters participated in the Associates Legislative
Day, which consisted of an advocacy training session
and legislative meetings in Sacramento. The Associates
heard presentations on the importance of grassroots
advocacy and current legislative challenges, and then
met with over 30 representatives of the California legislature.
Issue papers, Associate Company Profiles and maps depicting
legislative districts represented by the Associates
were prepared in advance of the event.
The Northern California Chapter was extremely active
in the Bay Area Industrial Safety Ordinance apprenticeship
hearings, the Policy & Planning Committee of the
HazMat Commission and Public hearings for refinery Title
V permit renewals. Their participation and testimony
on the industry's behalf was pivotal in changing the
tone of the proceedings to a much more positive one.
The San Joaquin Valley Chapter was critically involved
in all aspects of CARB's Diesel Toxics workshops, Portable
Equipment Group and the International Diesel Retrofit
Advisory Committee. They entered into a demonstration
project with the CARB Portable Equipment Group to evaluate
portable equipment used by industry and established
a clear and open dialogue on the development of diesel
control measures for equipment impacted by the diesel
risk reduction program.
The Southern California Chapter mobilized against two
highly controversial bills in 2002: AB1058 (greenhouse
gases) and AB2682 (hidden gas tax). Members called,
faxed, wrote and e-mailed their legislators to express
disapproval of the two bills that were an open-ended
attack on California consumers. The chapter also held
its fourth annual scholarship golf tournament at El
Dorado Country Club in Long Beach, which drew 144 golfers
and raised $4,000 for the R.M. Pyles Boys Camp, a longtime
petroleum industry philanthropy.
The Coastal Chapter supported the industry at numerous
public hearings and contacted local elected officials
and regulatory appointees to support the goal of integrity
and flexibility in rulemaking. Their annual mixer, barbeque
and holiday reception were enthusiastically attended
by Associates members, local officials and industry
representatives. They continued their support of the
California Oil Museum in Santa Paula to ensure that
the historical representation of the petroleum industry
is preserved for years to come.
All four chapters continued their general membership
luncheon meetings and social events, which included
mixers with important community and industry representatives.
Their success will continue into future years as each
chapter continues to gain more members to help advocate
on behalf of the industry's most pressing issues.
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