1998 ANNUAL REPORT
Advocacy & Outreach

Grassroots Support Essential As Industry Addresses State
and Local Challenges

Throughout 1998, WSPA continued to build working relationships with allies in other industries and associations and among oil industry service companies to help overcome regulatory overkill and barriers to business. Coalition building has proven successful in all sectors of the petroleum industry, assisting WSPA members and staff in making the case for sound science and business practices in legislation and regulation. In one such effort, WSPA joined with the Coalition of Agencies and Industry in attempting to harmonize various federal regulations with their California counterparts. In another, WSPA and its allies joined to successfully fight legislative moves to ban MTBE as a component of cleaner-burning gasoline.

WSPA Associates: Effective and Growing
The WSPA Associates, an organization of oil industry service businesses and their employees, successfully rallied grassroots opposition to critical pieces of proposed legislation in California this year. The Coastal and Southern California Chapters joined forces in a letterwriting campaign opposing Assemblyman Ted Lempert‘s (D-Palo Alto) oil spill bill (AB 2754). Many letters were generated to help keep AB 2754, that would have extended oil spill fines and penalties for minor inland spills, from reaching the Governor’s desk for signing. Members of both chapters also helped defeat Senator Davis’ (D-San Diego) marketing divorcement proposal to restrict retail gasoline practices throughout the state.

A new chapter to serve the Bay Area is now in formation and plans are underway to establish a San Joaquin Valley chapter in 1999. Addition of these chapters will provide the industry with a knowledgeable, effective grassroots organization throughout the state.

Community Outreach Continues in San Joaquin Valley and Coastal Regions
Community activities sponsored by WSPA continued to expand in 1998. The Derricks to Desks teacher training seminar involved thirty-four instructors from the region, providing them a overview of the history of the oil industry, of operations in the oil fields and industry’s commitment to the community.

In addition, WSPA participated in Bakersfield’s Centennial Celebration by producing a video entitled, "Kern County Oil, The First 100 Years." It was debuted before 400 representatives of industry, governmental agencies, elected officials and teachers on the eve of Community Energy Night. Similar efforts have been equally successful on the California coast.