Difference between revisions of "Shell"

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'''Shell''' describes itself as "a global group of oil, gas and petrochemical companies with a broad portfolio of hydrogen, biofuels, wind and solar power interests." [http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId=home] Shell operates in "more than 140 countries and territories, employing approximately 109,000 people," according to its website (accessed February 2007). [http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId=aboutshell-en&FC2=&FC3=/aboutshell-en/html/iwgen/at_a_glance/at_a_glance_09112006.html]  Royal Dutch Shell is partner of the world's largest Public-Private Partnership (P3) N.V.Nederlandse Gasunie, together with [[Exxon]] (Esso) and the [[Dutch government]], that captured the globalization trend in 1963. [http://www.complexxon.org]  The company recorded $9.8 billion in profits in 2009, 69% less than in 2008.[http://www.arabianoilandgas.com/article-6894-shell-to-sell-six-refineries-and-cut-1000-jobs/]
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{{Show badges| AEX}}
  
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==Corporate Accountability==
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'''Shell''' (Royal Dutch Shell) is part of the world's largest Public-Private Partnership (P3) N.V.Nederlandse Gasunie,<ref>Arabian Oil and Gas, Shell to sell six refineries and cut 1000 jobs.[http://www.arabianoilandgas.com/article-6894-shell-to-sell-six-refineries-and-cut-1000-jobs/]</ref>  together with [[Exxon]] (Esso) and the Dutch government. [http://www.complexxon.org]  Shell describes itself as "a global group of oil, gas and petrochemical companies with a broad portfolio of hydrogen, biofuels, wind and solar power interests" [http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId=home] Shell operates in "more than 140 countries and territories" and has over 100,000 employees, according to its website (accessed February 2007). [http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId=aboutshell-en&FC2=&FC3=/aboutshell-en/html/iwgen/at_a_glance/at_a_glance_09112006.html] 
  
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=== Shell Ads Declared Greenwash ===
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The company recorded $9.8 billion in profits in 2009.<ref>Arabian Oil and Gas, Shell to sell six refineries and cut 1000 jobs.[http://www.arabianoilandgas.com/article-6894-shell-to-sell-six-refineries-and-cut-1000-jobs/]</ref> 
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Like other oil companies and the industry group [[American Petroleum Institute]], Shell has launched PR campaigns to counter "windfall profit" tax proposals and public anger at high oil prices. [http://www.prweek.com/us/news/article/563530/Shell+tour+US/]
  
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In August 2008, Shell was found guilty of misleading the public over its tar sands operations. The British Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that the company should not have used the word "sustainable" when describing its [[Alberta's tar sands|Canadian tar sands]] operations. The ASA ruled that the Shell ad had breached rules on substantiation, truthfulness and environmental claims.
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Access Shell's corporate rap sheet compiled and written by ''Good Jobs First'' [http://www.corp-research.org/royal-dutch-shell here].
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__TOC__
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==Ties to the American Legislative Exchange Council==
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Shell was a corporate member of the [[American Legislative Exchange Council]] (ALEC) as of 2011. [[G. Edward Pickle]], Senior Government Affairs Counsel of Shell Oil Company, was Shell's representative to ALEC's [[Civil Justice Task Force]].<ref>The Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel [http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=12&ved=0CB8QFjABOAo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thefederation.org%2Fdocuments%2FPickle%2520Bio.pdf&rct=j&q=%22American%20Legislative%20Exchange%20Council%22%20%22Civil%20Justice%20Task%20Force%22&ei=mL3zTZ3HDevSiAL9p4X7Bg&usg=AFQjCNEobeamsxn7sQZWNDTBP3zhOc69Sg&cad=rja G. Edward Pickle], organization biography, accessed June 11, 2011</ref> It was a "Chairman" level sponsor of the 2011 [[American Legislative Exchange Council]] Annual Conference, which in 2010, equated to $50,000.<ref>[American Legislative Exchange Council, 2011 Conference Sponsors, conference brochure on file with CMD, August 11, 2011]</ref> Shell also sponsored the Plenary Session speeches on August 4th, 2011, by [[ALEC Board of Scholars|ALEC "scholars"]] [[Arthur B. Laffer]] and [[Stephen Moore]].<ref>American Legislative Exchange Council, "Solutions for the States," 38th Annual Meeting agenda, on file with CMD, August 3-6, 2011</ref>
  
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The Shell was was from a February 2008 issue of ''Financial Times'' and accompanied Shell's financial results. The oil giant claimed that: “We invest today’s profits in tomorrow’s solutions.” Shell explained it was harnessing its technical expertise “to unlock the potential of the vast Canadian oil sands deposits”, but then added: “Continued investment in technology is one of the key ways we are able to address this challenge, and continue to secure a profitable and sustainable future.”
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In August 2015, Royal Dutch Shell announced that it planned to let its membership in the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) lapse early next year, explicitly citing the organization's stance on climate change.<ref>[https://www.prwatch.org/news/2015/08/12904/shell-parts-ways-alec-over-climate-change-total-106#sthash.dQIlVQrV.dpuf Shell Parts Ways with ALEC over Climate Change], PRWatch.org, August 7, 2015. Accessed August 10, 2015.</ref>
  
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Shell was challenged by environmental organisation [[WWF]]. David Norman, the WWF’s director of campaigns, said: “The ASA’s decision to uphold WWF’s complaint sends a strong signal to business and industry that greenwash is unacceptable.” To celebrate its victory, WWF launched an ad campaign outside London’s Waterloo station stating “Shell can’t hide the environmental impact of their oil sand projects.” <ref>Martin Hickman [http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/shell-rebuked-for-greenwash-over-ad-for-polluting-oil-project-892863.html Shell rebuked for 'greenwash' over ad for polluting oil project], ''The Independent'', August 13, 2008.</ref>
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{{about_ALEC}}
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==Political contributions and lobbying==
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Shell gave $71,500 to federal candidates in the 05/06 election cycle through its [[political action committee]] (PAC) -  14% to [[Democrats]] and 86% to [[Republican Party (USA)|Republicans]].
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<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/lookup2.asp?strID=C00039503&cycle=2006 2006 PAC Summary Data], ''Open Secrets'', accessed July 2007.</ref>
  
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===Selling solar===
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Shell is one of the largest energy company contributors to both Republican and Democratic candidates for Congress. These contributions total $120,400 to the 110th US Congress (as of the third quarter), the largest of which has been to Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK). Senator Stevens, for his part, has consistently voted with the oil industry on energy, war and climate bills.[http://www.followtheoilmoney.org ] 
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Shell "has quietly sold off most of its solar business," reported Terry Macalister in December 2007. In 2006, "Shell hived off its solar module production business. The division, with 600 staff and manufacturing plants in the US, Canada and Germany, went to Munich-based SolarWorld." In late 2007, Singapore's Environ Energy Global bought "Shell's photovoltaic operations in India and Sri Lanka, with more than 260 staff and 28 offices, for an undisclosed sum." Shell plans to also sell its solar operations in the Philippines and Indonesia. "Shell has however formed a manufacturing link, with Saint-Gobain, and promised to build one plant in Germany," according to Macalister.
 
  
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A Shell spokesperson said that solar "was not bringing in any profit for us there so we transferred it to another operator. The buyer will be able to take it to the next level." <ref>Terry Macallister, "[http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2007/dec/11/oil.bp Big Oil lets sun set on renewables: Shell has quietly shed most of its solar power, while BP is buying into dirty tar sands]," ''The Guardian'' (UK), December 11, 2007.</ref>
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More information on oil industry contributions to Congress can be found at [http://www.followtheoilmoney.org FollowtheOilMoney.org], created by the nonpartisan, nonprofit organization [http://www.priceofoil.org Oil Change International].
  
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==2007 controversy with Broadwater, ACORN==
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In the first quarter of 2010, Shell spent $2,320,000 lobbying the U.S. Federal Government.[http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2010/04/hoards-of-hired-guns-earned-about-1.html]
  
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Newsday reports on a successful cooptation tactic involving Shell Oil's natural gas venture [[Broadwater Energy]] and the group [[ACORN]]: "Amid its ongoing effort to garner community support for its controversial offshore natural gas terminal, Broadwater Energy yesterday announced a 10-year, $10-million initiative to fund the weatherizing of more than 2,000 houses in low-income parts of Nassau and Suffolk counties. Critics of the proposed offshore terminal blasted the idea as a naked attempt to buy friends for a project about which they have raised a host of environmental and economic objections. ... The program would be administered by the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, or ACORN... But outspoken Broadwater critic Adrienne Esposito ... called the program 'a bribe to bring good public relations points. A lot of money doesn't make Broadwater a better project.' ... Partnerships with third parties who have some community credibility is a common strategy in advancing controversial projects, according to [CMD's] Sheldon Rampton [who said] 'I think the community ought to look carefully at what they're getting themselves into. Would [Broadwater parent] Shell Oil be doing this project if they weren't planning to build the natural gas terminal?' " [http://www.newsday.com/business/ny-bzbroad015237500jun01,0,5910765.story]
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==Controversies==
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(Shell's environmental and human rights record, including its activities in Africa and information about activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, as well as in other countries will be discussed in this section soon.)
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{{Template:Violation_Tracker}}
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===Fudging on oil reserves===
  
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==Repositioning after 1995==
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In March 2004, the controversy over the exaggeration of the oil and gas reserves of Shell resulted in the resignation of the then chairman, '''Philip Watts''', and '''Walter van de Vijver''', who was responsible for exploration and production. In an attempt to manage the crisis Shell hired the [[Brunswick Group]] to help it manage the crisis. "Brunswick has recently come on board, but we don't really say much more about what they do," Corrigan told ''PR Week''.
  
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Following the execution of Nigerian environmentalist and [[Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People]] (MOSOP) leader [[Ken Saro-Wiwa]], and its attempt to dump the Brent Spar oil platform in the ocean, Shell appointed a dozen people to oversee its image overhaul. A decade later, [[Simon Longstaff]], one of Shell's twelve and the director of Sydney's [[St. James Ethical Centre]], lashed out at Shell. "The process we went through was thorough and exhaustive, but what concerned me was seeing the marketing arm of the company turn it into a PR exercise as soon as we had finished," he said.  
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''PR Week'' also reported that for several years Shell had - and continued to - use the London-based [[Finsbury]] to handle financial PR for the company and was also advising on managing the crisis on the overstated reserves. [http://www.prweek.com/news/news_worldwire.cfm?site=1&ID=208949&site=3&/news/news_worldwire.cfm&setcookie=1]
  
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"It was a process that should have happened slowly and been led from the top for real change to occur. Leveraging it for advertising and then having the process betrayed by the man at the top sent a very confused message to everyone in the company that wanted real change." Longstaff's comments echo critiques of Shell's operations in Nigeria and apartheid South Africa. [http://www.prweek.com/news/news_worldwire.cfm?site=1&ID=208949&site=3&/news/news_worldwire.cfm&setcookie=1]
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===Shell Public Relations===
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(More information on Shell's PR campaigns in response to citizen protests in Africa, Ireland, and the U.S. will be added to this article.)
  
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==Rebel disruption in Nigeria==
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====Shell PR Campaigns====
  
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The Royal Dutch Shell oil company "has evacuated four oil facilities in [[Nigeria]] in response to a sudden intensification in the militia violence which plagues the western delta," Simon Freeman  [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-1988365,00.html reported] in the January 16, 2006, ''Times Online'' (UK).
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Here is some information about one of Shell's PR campaigns:
  
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"The withdrawal of 326 staff and contract workers from the remote flow stations in the swampy region comes after the centres were shut down following a bomb attack on the pipeline linking them to the main export terminal last week," Freeman wrote, and the "evacuation will delay repairs to the pipe which carries 106,000 barrels a day, around 10 per cent of Shell's oil output from Nigeria. The move has raised fears that international companies may permanently quit the turbulent delta area if the Government, a key Western oil ally, fails to rein in the militias."
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Along with other global corporations in the oil industry, like the [[American Petroleum Institute]], Shell has launched PR campaigns to counter "windfall profit" tax proposals and public anger at high oil prices . [http://www.prweek.com/us/news/article/563530/Shell+tour+US/]
  
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== Driving around (some of) the world==
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In 2006, Shell president [[John Hofmeister]] and other executives held "one-on-one and group meetings, receptions, speeches, and other events with local chambers of commerce, rotary clubs, educational institutions, media members, environmental groups, government officials, Shell employees themselves, and others." The goal is to reach 10,000 people in total, in cities including Dallas, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Seattle, Charlotte and Honolulu.
  
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"In a bid to underline its 'green' credentials, Shell is currently sending a fleet of Volkswagen Golfs in [Around the World in 80 Days' protagonist Phileas] Fogg's footsteps, on an expedition 'around the world in 50 fill-ups'," reports The Independent. The goal is "to win a place in the Guinness Book of Records for circumnavigating the globe in the most fuel-efficient manner possible," using "Shell's specially customized vehicles." However, unlike Fogg, Shell's journey will avoid Africa. Guy Adams writes, "Shell has a - shall we say? - dodgy record in those parts, as a result of its ongoing operations in Nigeria." Environmental, social and human rights concerns - including the 1995 murder of Ken Saro-Wiwa - have resulted in Shell boycotts. Shell spokespeople have called Nigeria the company's "worst public relations nightmare," according to the Multinational Monitor. But the company insists that its "strange itinerary" is simply due to "difficulties taking all the cars through customs" in Africa. [http://news.independent.co.uk/people/pandora/article344467.ece]
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"As an industry, we have not done a good job about educating people and talking about how gas prices are set," explained Shell's senior media relations specialist, '''Darci Sinclair'''. So, over the next two years, Shell "will send its senior leaders on a 50-city 'tour'," reported ''PR Week'' in June 2006.
  
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==Shell on tour==
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In May 2007, ''USA Today'' described one of Shell's "tour" stops, in Richmond, Virginia. The small, invite-only audience ranged "from supportive state politicians to deeply skeptical environmentalists," and was "selected by Shell's public relations agency, [[Burson-Marsteller]]." At the event, Shell president John Hofmeister "deftly field[ed] even the most pointed questions," commending but then passing on one environmentalist's challenge to support higher automobile fuel economy standards. Hofmeister frequently alluded to "the need to tap into offshore oil reservoirs." Shell wants to drill off Virginia's southern coast, but the idea "remains controversial and requires congressional approval." [http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/2007-05-11-shell-usat_N.htm]
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"As an industry, we have not done a good job about educating people and talking about how gas prices are set," explained Shell's senior media relations specialist, [[Darci Sinclair]]. So, over the next two years, Shell "will send its senior leaders on a 50-city 'tour'," reported ''PR Week'' in June 2006. Shell president [[John Hofmeister]] and other executives will hold "one-on-one and group meetings, receptions, speeches, and other events with local chambers of commerce, rotary clubs, educational institutions, media members, environmental groups, government officials, Shell employees themselves, and others." The goal is to reach 10,000 people in total, in cities including Dallas, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Seattle, Charlotte and Honolulu. Like other oil companies and the industry group [[American Petroleum Institute]], Shell is trying to counter "windfall profit" tax proposals and public anger at high oil prices . [http://www.prweek.com/us/news/article/563530/Shell+tour+US/]
 
  
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In May 2007, ''[[USA Today]]'' described one of Shell's "tour" stops, in Richmond, Virginia. The small, invite-only audience ranged "from supportive state politicians to deeply skeptical environmentalists," and was "selected by Shell's public relations agency, [[Burson-Marsteller]]." At the event, Shell president John Hofmeister "deftly field[ed] even the most pointed questions," commending but then passing on one environmentalist's challenge to support higher automobile fuel economy standards. Hofmeister frequently alluded to "the need to tap into offshore oil reservoirs." Shell wants to drill off Virginia's southern coast, but the idea "remains controversial and requires congressional approval." [http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/2007-05-11-shell-usat_N.htm]
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As part of the PR tour, Shell's Hofmeister has spoken at various universities, like the University of Delaware on "achieving energy security through sound public policy," part of university campaigns titled, "Boiling Point: International Politics of Climate Change." <ref>Press release, "[http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2008/jan/global011108.html Politics of climate change focus of spring lecture series]," University of Delaware, January 11, 2008.</ref>
  
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As part of the PR tour, Shell's Hofmeister will speak at the University of Delaware (Newark, Delaware) on May 7, 2008. His topic is "achieving energy security through sound public policy," and is part of a university lecture series titled, "Boiling Point: International Politics of Climate Change." <ref>Press release, "[http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2008/jan/global011108.html Politics of climate change focus of spring lecture series]," University of Delaware, January 11, 2008.</ref>
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====Shell Ads Declared Greenwashing====
  
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==Fudging oil reserves==
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In August 2008, Shell was found guilty of misleading the public over its tar sands operations. The British Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that the company should not have used the word "sustainable" when describing its [[Alberta's tar sands|Canadian tar sands]] operations. The ASA ruled that the Shell ad had breached rules on substantiation, truthfulness and environmental claims.
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In March 2004, the controversy over the exaggeration of the oil and gas reserves of Shell resulted in the resignation of the then chairman, [[Philip Watts]], and [[Walter van de Vijver]], who was responsible for exploration and production. In an attempt to manage the crisis Shell hired the [[Brunswick Group]] to help it manage the crisis. "Brunswick has recently come on board, but we don't really say much more about what they do," Corrigan told ''PR Week''.
 
  
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''PR Week'' also reported that for several years Shell had - and continued to - use the London-based [[Finsbury]] to handle financial PR for the company and was also advising on managing the crisis on the overstated reserves. [http://www.prweek.com/news/news_worldwire.cfm?site=1&ID=208949&site=3&/news/news_worldwire.cfm&setcookie=1]
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The Shell was was from a February 2008 issue of ''Financial Times'' and accompanied Shell's financial results. The oil giant claimed that: “We invest today’s profits in tomorrow’s solutions.” Shell explained it was harnessing its technical expertise “to unlock the potential of the vast Canadian oil sands deposits”, but then added: “Continued investment in technology is one of the key ways we are able to address this challenge, and continue to secure a profitable and sustainable future.”
 +
 
 +
Shell was challenged by environmental organisation [[WWF]]. David Norman, the WWF’s director of campaigns, said: “The ASA’s decision to uphold WWF’s complaint sends a strong signal to business and industry that greenwash is unacceptable.” To celebrate its victory, WWF launched an ad campaign outside London’s Waterloo station stating “Shell can’t hide the environmental impact of their oil sand projects.” <ref>Martin Hickman [http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/shell-rebuked-for-greenwash-over-ad-for-polluting-oil-project-892863.html Shell rebuked for 'greenwash' over ad for polluting oil project], ''The Independent'', August 13, 2008.</ref>
  
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==Opposition in Ireland==
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===Selling off solar===
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Shell has met with stiff opposition to its plans for a gas refinery in the west of Ireland's County Mayo. <ref>[http://www.corribsos.com Shell to Sea website], accessed June 2008.</ref> Project opponents point out the extraordinary changes in the law that allow Shell, [[StatoilHydro]] and [[Marathon Oil]] to be gifted a gas field off the northwest coast, with no obligation to sell the gas in Ireland.<ref>Center for Public Inquiry, [http://www.publicinquiry.ie/pdf/Fiosru_2_HI_RES_Final.pdf The Great Corrib Gas Controversy"], November 2005.</ref> Strong local opposition to the project has been met with unprecedented police repression.<ref>Global Community Monitor, [http://www.gcmonitor.org/downloads/International%20Fact%20Finding%20Report%20Feb%202007%20FINAL_1.doc "Report of an International Fact Finding Delegation to County Mayo, Ireland, February 23-27, 2007"], Global Community Monitor website, 2007, accessed June 2008.</ref> Work on the project continues.
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Shell "has quietly sold off most of its solar business," reported Terry Macalister in December 2007. In 2006, "Shell hived off its solar module production business. The division, with 600 staff and manufacturing plants in the US, Canada and Germany, went to Munich-based SolarWorld." In late 2007, Singapore's Environ Energy Global bought "Shell's photovoltaic operations in India and Sri Lanka, with more than 260 staff and 28 offices, for an undisclosed sum." Shell plans to also sell its solar operations in the Philippines and Indonesia. "Shell has however formed a manufacturing link, with Saint-Gobain, and promised to build one plant in Germany," according to Macalister.
  
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==Political contributions==
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A Shell spokesperson said that solar "was not bringing in any profit for us there so we transferred it to another operator. The buyer will be able to take it to the next level." <ref>Terry Macallister, "[http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2007/dec/11/oil.bp Big Oil lets sun set on renewables: Shell has quietly shed most of its solar power, while BP is buying into dirty tar sands]," ''The Guardian'' (UK), December 11, 2007.</ref>
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Shell gave $71,500 to federal candidates in the 05/06 election cycle through its [[political action committee]] (PAC) -  14% to [[Democrats]] and 86% to [[Republican Party (USA)|Republicans]].
 
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<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/lookup2.asp?strID=C00039503&cycle=2006 2006 PAC Summary Data], ''Open Secrets'', accessed July 2007.</ref>
 
  
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==Lobbying and Political contributions==
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==Executive committee<ref>Shell, [https://www.shell.com/about-us/leadership/executive-committee.html Executive committee], November 24, 2020</ref>==
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Shell is one of the largest energy company contributors to both Republican and Democratic candidates for Congress. These contributions total $120,400 to the 110th US Congress (as of the third quarter), the largest of which has been to Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK). Senator Stevens, for his part, has consistently voted with the oil industry on energy, war and climate bills.[http://www.followtheoilmoney.org ]
 
  
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Contributions like this from fossil fuel companies to members of Congress are often seen as a political barrier to pursuing clean energy.
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*[[Ben van Beurden]] - Chief Executive Officer.
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*[[Jessica Uhl]] - Chief Financial Officer.
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*[[Harry Brekelmans]] - Projects & Technology Director.
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*[[Donny Ching]] - Legal Director.
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*[[Ronan Cassidy]] - Chief Human Resources & Corporate Officer.
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*[[Wael Sawan]] - Upstream Director.
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*[[Huibert Vigeveno]] - Downstream Director.
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*[[Maarten Wetselaar]] - Integrated Gas & New Energies Director.
  
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More information on oil industry contributions to Congress can be found at [http://www.followtheoilmoney.org FollowtheOilMoney.org], created by the nonpartisan, nonprofit organization [http://www.priceofoil.org Oil Change International].
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''Board''<ref>Shell, [https://www.shell.com/about-us/leadership/board-of-directors.html Board], November 24, 2020</ref>
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*[[Charles O. Holliday]], [[Euleen Goh]], [[Ben van Beurden]], [[Jessica Uhl]], [[Dick Boer]], [[Neil Carson ]], [[Ann Godbehere]], [[Catherine J. Hughes]], [[Martina Hund-Mejean]], [[Sir Andrew Mackenzie]], [[Abraham Schot]], [[Sir Nigel Sheinwald]], [[Gerrit Zalm]], [[Linda M. Coulter]]
  
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The company spent $2,428,696 for [[lobbying]] in 2006. $340,000 went to two outside [[lobbying firms]] with the remainder being spent using in-house lobbyists.<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/lobbyists/clientsum.asp?txtname=Shell+Oil&year=2006 Shell Oil lobbying expenses], ''Open Secrets.''</ref>
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===Former Executive committee (2007)
  
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==Executive committee==
 
 
From Shell's website (accessed February 16, 2007): [http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId=aboutshell-en&FC2=&FC3=/aboutshell-en/html/iwgen/at_a_glance/at_a_glance_09112006.html]
 
From Shell's website (accessed February 16, 2007): [http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId=aboutshell-en&FC2=&FC3=/aboutshell-en/html/iwgen/at_a_glance/at_a_glance_09112006.html]
 
*[[Peter Voser]], Chief Executive of Royal Dutch Shell,
 
*[[Peter Voser]], Chief Executive of Royal Dutch Shell,
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*[[Linda Cook]], Executive Director Gas & Power
 
*[[Linda Cook]], Executive Director Gas & Power
 
*[[Malcolm Brinded]], Executive Director Exploration & Production,
 
*[[Malcolm Brinded]], Executive Director Exploration & Production,
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*[[Simon Henry]], Chief Financial Officer  
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*Simon Henry, Chief Financial Officer  
 
*[[Rob Routs]], Executive Director Downstream Oil Products & Chemicals
 
*[[Rob Routs]], Executive Director Downstream Oil Products & Chemicals
  
 
==Contact information==
 
==Contact information==
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 +
Physical Address:<br>
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Carel van Bylandtlaan 16<br>
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2596 HR The Hague, The Netherlands<br>
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Tel. +31 70 377 9111
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Postal Address:<br>
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PO box 162<br>
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2501 AN  The Hague, The Netherlands
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Shell Oil Company U.S. Address:<br>
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P.O. Box 2463<br>
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Houston, TX 77252<br>
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Tel. 713-241-6161 (all Shell U.S. companies)<br>
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Shell U.S. Media Relations: 713-241-4544
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Website: http://www.shell.com
 
Website: http://www.shell.com
  
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===Related SourceWatch articles===
 
===Related SourceWatch articles===
 +
*[[Rich Pattarozzi]]  - Deepwater
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*[[Shell South Africa]]
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*[[American Legislative Exchange Council]]
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*[[Civil Justice Task Force]]
 
*[[Coalition for Southern Africa]] (describes Shell's "Neptune" strategy for engagement with apartheid in South Africa)
 
*[[Coalition for Southern Africa]] (describes Shell's "Neptune" strategy for engagement with apartheid in South Africa)
 
*[[Wim Kok]]
 
*[[Wim Kok]]
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*[[Edelman]], the PR firm that helped Shell "bring the gasoline experience home to consumers in a hands-on fashion" in 2007 [http://www.prweek.com/us/news/article/633511/Shell-mobile-marketing-effort-drives-home-its-fuel-message/]
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*[[Edelman]], PR firm that helped Shell [http://www.prweek.com/us/news/article/633511/Shell-mobile-marketing-effort-drives-home-its-fuel-message/]
 
*[[Oil industry]]
 
*[[Oil industry]]
 
*[[Pax Americana, Africa]]
 
*[[Pax Americana, Africa]]
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*[[Peter Sandman]] who advised Shell at the time of the sentencing and execution of Ken Saro Wiwa
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*[[Peter Sandman]] who advised Shell at the time of the Ken Saro-Wiwa controversy
 
*[[Race-baiting Strategy Helps Keep Shell Pumping in Nigeria]]
 
*[[Race-baiting Strategy Helps Keep Shell Pumping in Nigeria]]
 
*[[Shell and renewable energy]]
 
*[[Shell and renewable energy]]
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*[[Terrorism]]
 
*[[Terrorism]]
 
*[[Venezuela's oil industry]]
 
*[[Venezuela's oil industry]]
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*[[Robert Reid]]
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* [[Fundación para la Conservación del Bosque Chiquitano]]
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*[[Jennifer Jones]] - former environmental advisor to chair
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*[[Josef Ackermann]]
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*[[Pierre Wack]] - former head of scenario planning
 +
*[[David Varney]] - former MD
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*[[Nigel Sheinwald]]
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*[[Bob Reid]] - former UK CEO
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*[[Hugh Mitchell]] - HR
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*[[Sean Winnett]] - head of gov relations UK
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*[[Shell Nigeria]] - [[Basil Omiyi]]
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*[[Cornelius Herkströter]] - former CEO
  
 
===References===
 
===References===
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*Terry Macalister, "[http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/may/26/shell-human-rights-pollution Shell faces legal fight over alleged human rights abuse and pollution: Jeroen van der Veer's tenure as chief executive ends amid outcry over bonuses, environmental record and human rights abuses]," ''The Guardian'' (UK), May 26, 2009.
 
*Terry Macalister, "[http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/may/26/shell-human-rights-pollution Shell faces legal fight over alleged human rights abuse and pollution: Jeroen van der Veer's tenure as chief executive ends amid outcry over bonuses, environmental record and human rights abuses]," ''The Guardian'' (UK), May 26, 2009.
 
*Rebekah Kebede, "[http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/feedarticle/8565680 Shell Nigeria case may temper Big Oil policies]," Reuters, June 18, 2009.
 
*Rebekah Kebede, "[http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/feedarticle/8565680 Shell Nigeria case may temper Big Oil policies]," Reuters, June 18, 2009.
 +
*Bureau of Investigative Journalism "[http://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/2011/12/09/analysis-big-business-hides-behind-a-corporate-veil-when-hit-with-human-rights-abuse-claims/ Business hides behind corporate veil on human rights abuse claims]," December 9th 2011
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[[Category:Corporations]][[category:oil industry]][[Category:Corporations Targeted by BEN Campaigns]]
 
[[Category:Corporations]][[category:oil industry]][[Category:Corporations Targeted by BEN Campaigns]]
−
[[Category:Greenwashing]]
+
[[Category:Greenwashing]][[Category:ALEC Exposed]]

Latest revision as of 21:57, 22 December 2020

ALECexposed-80px.png

Learn more about corporations VOTING to rewrite our laws.

Shell (Royal Dutch Shell) is part of the world's largest Public-Private Partnership (P3) N.V.Nederlandse Gasunie,[1] together with Exxon (Esso) and the Dutch government. [3] Shell describes itself as "a global group of oil, gas and petrochemical companies with a broad portfolio of hydrogen, biofuels, wind and solar power interests" [4] Shell operates in "more than 140 countries and territories" and has over 100,000 employees, according to its website (accessed February 2007). [5]

The company recorded $9.8 billion in profits in 2009.[2] Like other oil companies and the industry group American Petroleum Institute, Shell has launched PR campaigns to counter "windfall profit" tax proposals and public anger at high oil prices. [6]

Access Shell's corporate rap sheet compiled and written by Good Jobs First here.

Ties to the American Legislative Exchange Council

Shell was a corporate member of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) as of 2011. G. Edward Pickle, Senior Government Affairs Counsel of Shell Oil Company, was Shell's representative to ALEC's Civil Justice Task Force.[3] It was a "Chairman" level sponsor of the 2011 American Legislative Exchange Council Annual Conference, which in 2010, equated to $50,000.[4] Shell also sponsored the Plenary Session speeches on August 4th, 2011, by ALEC "scholars" Arthur B. Laffer and Stephen Moore.[5]

In August 2015, Royal Dutch Shell announced that it planned to let its membership in the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) lapse early next year, explicitly citing the organization's stance on climate change.[6]

About ALEC
ALEC is a corporate bill mill. It is not just a lobby or a front group; it is much more powerful than that. Through ALEC, corporations hand state legislators their wishlists to benefit their bottom line. Corporations fund almost all of ALEC's operations. They pay for a seat on ALEC task forces where corporate lobbyists and special interest reps vote with elected officials to approve “model” bills. Learn more at the Center for Media and Democracy's ALECexposed.org, and check out breaking news on our ExposedbyCMD.org site.

Political contributions and lobbying

Shell gave $71,500 to federal candidates in the 05/06 election cycle through its political action committee (PAC) - 14% to Democrats and 86% to Republicans. [7]

Shell is one of the largest energy company contributors to both Republican and Democratic candidates for Congress. These contributions total $120,400 to the 110th US Congress (as of the third quarter), the largest of which has been to Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK). Senator Stevens, for his part, has consistently voted with the oil industry on energy, war and climate bills.[7]

More information on oil industry contributions to Congress can be found at FollowtheOilMoney.org, created by the nonpartisan, nonprofit organization Oil Change International.

In the first quarter of 2010, Shell spent $2,320,000 lobbying the U.S. Federal Government.[8]

Controversies

(Shell's environmental and human rights record, including its activities in Africa and information about activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, as well as in other countries will be discussed in this section soon.)

Violation Tracker
Discover Which Corporations are the Biggest Violators of Environmental, Health and Safety Laws in the United States
Violation Tracker is the first national search engine on corporate misconduct covering environmental, health, and safety cases initiated by 13 federal regulatory agencies. Violation Tracker is produced by the Corporate Research Project of Good Jobs First. Click here to access Violation Tracker.

Fudging on oil reserves

In March 2004, the controversy over the exaggeration of the oil and gas reserves of Shell resulted in the resignation of the then chairman, Philip Watts, and Walter van de Vijver, who was responsible for exploration and production. In an attempt to manage the crisis Shell hired the Brunswick Group to help it manage the crisis. "Brunswick has recently come on board, but we don't really say much more about what they do," Corrigan told PR Week.

PR Week also reported that for several years Shell had - and continued to - use the London-based Finsbury to handle financial PR for the company and was also advising on managing the crisis on the overstated reserves. [9]

Shell Public Relations

(More information on Shell's PR campaigns in response to citizen protests in Africa, Ireland, and the U.S. will be added to this article.)

Shell PR Campaigns

Here is some information about one of Shell's PR campaigns:

Along with other global corporations in the oil industry, like the American Petroleum Institute, Shell has launched PR campaigns to counter "windfall profit" tax proposals and public anger at high oil prices . [10]

In 2006, Shell president John Hofmeister and other executives held "one-on-one and group meetings, receptions, speeches, and other events with local chambers of commerce, rotary clubs, educational institutions, media members, environmental groups, government officials, Shell employees themselves, and others." The goal is to reach 10,000 people in total, in cities including Dallas, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Seattle, Charlotte and Honolulu.

"As an industry, we have not done a good job about educating people and talking about how gas prices are set," explained Shell's senior media relations specialist, Darci Sinclair. So, over the next two years, Shell "will send its senior leaders on a 50-city 'tour'," reported PR Week in June 2006.

In May 2007, USA Today described one of Shell's "tour" stops, in Richmond, Virginia. The small, invite-only audience ranged "from supportive state politicians to deeply skeptical environmentalists," and was "selected by Shell's public relations agency, Burson-Marsteller." At the event, Shell president John Hofmeister "deftly field[ed] even the most pointed questions," commending but then passing on one environmentalist's challenge to support higher automobile fuel economy standards. Hofmeister frequently alluded to "the need to tap into offshore oil reservoirs." Shell wants to drill off Virginia's southern coast, but the idea "remains controversial and requires congressional approval." [11]

As part of the PR tour, Shell's Hofmeister has spoken at various universities, like the University of Delaware on "achieving energy security through sound public policy," part of university campaigns titled, "Boiling Point: International Politics of Climate Change." [8]

Shell Ads Declared Greenwashing

In August 2008, Shell was found guilty of misleading the public over its tar sands operations. The British Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that the company should not have used the word "sustainable" when describing its Canadian tar sands operations. The ASA ruled that the Shell ad had breached rules on substantiation, truthfulness and environmental claims.

The Shell was was from a February 2008 issue of Financial Times and accompanied Shell's financial results. The oil giant claimed that: “We invest today’s profits in tomorrow’s solutions.” Shell explained it was harnessing its technical expertise “to unlock the potential of the vast Canadian oil sands deposits”, but then added: “Continued investment in technology is one of the key ways we are able to address this challenge, and continue to secure a profitable and sustainable future.”

Shell was challenged by environmental organisation WWF. David Norman, the WWF’s director of campaigns, said: “The ASA’s decision to uphold WWF’s complaint sends a strong signal to business and industry that greenwash is unacceptable.” To celebrate its victory, WWF launched an ad campaign outside London’s Waterloo station stating “Shell can’t hide the environmental impact of their oil sand projects.” [9]

Selling off solar

Shell "has quietly sold off most of its solar business," reported Terry Macalister in December 2007. In 2006, "Shell hived off its solar module production business. The division, with 600 staff and manufacturing plants in the US, Canada and Germany, went to Munich-based SolarWorld." In late 2007, Singapore's Environ Energy Global bought "Shell's photovoltaic operations in India and Sri Lanka, with more than 260 staff and 28 offices, for an undisclosed sum." Shell plans to also sell its solar operations in the Philippines and Indonesia. "Shell has however formed a manufacturing link, with Saint-Gobain, and promised to build one plant in Germany," according to Macalister.

A Shell spokesperson said that solar "was not bringing in any profit for us there so we transferred it to another operator. The buyer will be able to take it to the next level." [10]

Executive committee[11]

Board[12]

===Former Executive committee (2007)

From Shell's website (accessed February 16, 2007): [12]

  • Peter Voser, Chief Executive of Royal Dutch Shell,
  • Marvin Odum, President/Upstream Americas Director
  • Linda Cook, Executive Director Gas & Power
  • Malcolm Brinded, Executive Director Exploration & Production,
  • Simon Henry, Chief Financial Officer
  • Rob Routs, Executive Director Downstream Oil Products & Chemicals

Contact information

Physical Address:
Carel van Bylandtlaan 16
2596 HR The Hague, The Netherlands
Tel. +31 70 377 9111

Postal Address:
PO box 162
2501 AN The Hague, The Netherlands

Shell Oil Company U.S. Address:
P.O. Box 2463
Houston, TX 77252
Tel. 713-241-6161 (all Shell U.S. companies)
Shell U.S. Media Relations: 713-241-4544

Website: http://www.shell.com

Articles and resources

Related SourceWatch articles

References

  1. ↑ Arabian Oil and Gas, Shell to sell six refineries and cut 1000 jobs.[1]
  2. ↑ Arabian Oil and Gas, Shell to sell six refineries and cut 1000 jobs.[2]
  3. ↑ The Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel G. Edward Pickle, organization biography, accessed June 11, 2011
  4. ↑ [American Legislative Exchange Council, 2011 Conference Sponsors, conference brochure on file with CMD, August 11, 2011]
  5. ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, "Solutions for the States," 38th Annual Meeting agenda, on file with CMD, August 3-6, 2011
  6. ↑ Shell Parts Ways with ALEC over Climate Change, PRWatch.org, August 7, 2015. Accessed August 10, 2015.
  7. ↑ 2006 PAC Summary Data, Open Secrets, accessed July 2007.
  8. ↑ Press release, "Politics of climate change focus of spring lecture series," University of Delaware, January 11, 2008.
  9. ↑ Martin Hickman Shell rebuked for 'greenwash' over ad for polluting oil project, The Independent, August 13, 2008.
  10. ↑ Terry Macallister, "Big Oil lets sun set on renewables: Shell has quietly shed most of its solar power, while BP is buying into dirty tar sands," The Guardian (UK), December 11, 2007.
  11. ↑ Shell, Executive committee, November 24, 2020
  12. ↑ Shell, Board, November 24, 2020

External resources

External articles

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