National Association of Manufacturers

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)

Background

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) describes itself as the largest manufacturing association in the United States and claims to represent “small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states” by working “on the front lines of a wide range of policy battles, from immigration reform and labor relations, to energy and the environment, to trade policy and taxes.”1About,” National Association of Manufacturers. Archived September 20, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/rh1rQ

The NAM is actively involved in a range of advocacy programs, which it describes as “grassroots manufacturing outreach and employee engagement efforts” designed to “advance manufacturing policy issues with pro manufacturing legislation.”2Advocacy Programs,” National Association of Manufacturers. Archived September 27, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/8m6uP

The NAM has routinely opposed the Clean Air Act (CAA),3COMMENTS on PROPOSED ENDANGERMENT AND CAUSE ORC ONTRIBUTE FINDINGS FOR GREENHOUSE GASES (GHGs) Under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act” (PDF), National Association of Manufacturers, June 23, 2009. regulation of greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Power Plan (CPP),4Manufacturers Lead Legal Challenge to Clean Power Plan,” National Association of Manufacturers, October 23, 2015. stricter ozone standards, and a wide range of other environmental regulations that it argues would negatively impact industry.5“Dear Mr. President:” (PDF)National Association of Manufacturers, June 19, 2015.

Global Climate Coalition (GCC)

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) was a member of the Global Climate Coalition (GCC) for over 10 years before GCC disbanded in 2002. The New York Times reported that both NAM and the American Petroleum Institute (API), which was also a GCC member, continued to “lobby against any law or treaty that would sharply curb emissions” after leaving the coalition.6Andrew Revkin. “Industry Ignored Its Scientists on Climate,” The New York Times, April 23, 2009. Archived September 22, 2009. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/LSWKm

GCC initially started in 1989 as a  project under the auspices of NAM, later reorganizing independently in 1992. In the 1990s version of GCC, its first chairman would be the director of government relations for the Phillips Petroleum Company. Exxon was also a founding member, and on the GCC board, while API also served as a leading member of the coalition.7David L. Levy and Sandra Rothenberg. “Corporate Strategy and Climate Change: Heterogeneity and Change in the Global Automobile Industry” (PDF), ENRP Discussion Paper E-99-13, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

According to GCC‘s mission statement, it was established to “coordinate business participation in the international policy debate on the issue of global climate change and global warming.” A 1993 press release said GCC was organized “as the leading voice for industry on the global climate change issue.”8The Global Climate Coalition” (Homepage), Global Climate Coalition. Archived March 2, 2001. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/vDnp0 9STATEMENT BY JOHN SHLAES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GLOBAL CLIMATE COALITION,” PR Newswire Association, 1993. Retrieved from The Free Library. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/ZdLGs

Among GCC‘s early board members, Michael E. Baroody, Senior Vice President of the National Association of Manufacturers, was elected interim Chairman of the GCC Board at the beginning of 1992. Other GCC board members at that time included representatives from a range of industry/business associations, oil, natural gas, and chemical companies, and electricity generating companies:10McGregor, Ian (2008). Organising to Influence the Global Politics of Climate Change (PDF). Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management Conference.

Air Quality Standards Coalition

The NAM coordinated Air Quality Standards Coalition (AQSC), a group formed in 1996 to opposing new air quality standards regulations proposed by the EPA. The group, headed by C. Boyden Gray, came to represent more than 500 members including Texaco, Teneco, Philip Morris, Chevron, and Monsanto. In 1997, the group spent $100 million in attempts to combat rules that the EPA estimated would save 15,000 lives a year.11EPA Clashes with Industry,” The Detroit News, February 7, 1999. Retrieved from Greenpeace Investigations.

Writing at The New Republic, Hanna Rosin reported that “[t]he group has been trying to woo the National Governors’ Association since its newly chosen chairman, Ohio Governor George Voinovich, came out against the proposed EPA ruling. When that failed, it tried legal bribes. ‘The NAM has to pony up more cash for the NGA,’ reads the notes of one attendant at a November 1 meeting.”12SHADES OF GRAY,” The New Republic, April 14, 1997. Retrieved from MediaTransparency.org. Archived March 18, 2005. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Zjj70

Rosin also noted a relationship between the AQSC and Citizens for Sound Economy (CSE), which it used “to carry out the ‘grass-roots’ campaign.” However, the CSE kept a “virtuous distance from AQSC: “We are not a part of the coalition; we do not receive funding from them, and we do not work together,” said Brent Bahler, a CSE spokesman.13SHADES OF GRAY,” The New Republic, April 14, 1997. Retrieved from MediaTransparency.org. Archived March 18, 2005. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Zjj70

Rosin reported that, despite this, “CSE footprints show up all over the coalition agenda.” For example, she notes that “CSE officials met with coalition members last April to brief them on their $5 million educational campaign on the EPA rules. They got the American Petroleum Institute to agree to match all donations up to $600,000. Keeping up the appearance of a grass-roots effort by employing CSE is in fact crucial to the coalition. ‘NAM has recognized that re environmental issues, while the war will be won or lost in Washington, the battles will take place out there,’ says one member, according to the notes.”14SHADES OF GRAY,” The New Republic, April 14, 1997. Retrieved from MediaTransparency.org. Archived March 18, 2005. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Zjj70

Manufacturers’ Accountability Project

The NAM quietly launched the Manufacturers’ Accountability Project (MAP) in November 2017 to push back against, among other things, climate-change-related lawsuits affecting the manufacturing industry.15About Us,” Manufacturers’ Accountability Project.  Archived February 1, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Mm0n5 They claim that “this coordinated campaign jeopardizes the ability of all manufacturers to continue growing and providing jobs to millions of Americans.”16John Siciliano. “Manufacturers push back against environmentalists’ climate court strategy,” Washington Examiner, December 4, 2017. Archived February 1, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/klCSZ

MAP is led by NAM‘s Manufacturers’ Center for Legal Action (MCLA), with both MAP and the MCLA headed by Linda Kelly who also serves as NAM‘s senior vice president, legal, general counsel, and corporate secretary.17ILMA Participants on NAM Policy Call,” ILMA, December 4, 2017. Archived February 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/VsUVq Kelly wrote at The Hill, suggesting that attorneys have been dragging manufacturers into “fruitless lawsuits” over climate change concerns and that “[t]hese cases can have devastating impacts on entire industries and the jobs they support.”18Linda Kelly,” National Association of Manufacturers. Archived February 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/DqWFh 19Linda Kelly. “Activist litigation against manufacturers has gone too far,” The Hill, December 10, 2017. Archived February 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/omIau

We’ve launched what we’ve called the Manufacturers’ Accountability Project and the intention is to push back on the use of lawsuits funded by activists to target manufacturers for a variety of problems, including we’re looking at the climate lawsuits,” Kelly told the Washington Examiner in an interview.20John Siciliano. “Manufacturers push back against environmentalists’ climate court strategy,” Washington Examiner, December 4, 2017. Archived February 1, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/klCSZ

One of the group’s first actions was to go against the investigation by Democratic attorneys general investigating what ExxonMobil knew about climate change, although it also targeted other issues aside from climate change — like opposing rulings for paint manufacturers to be accountable for lead paint in buildings built before 1951. they see as impacting industry’s bottom line.21John Siciliano. “Manufacturers push back against environmentalists’ climate court strategy,” Washington Examiner, December 4, 2017. Archived February 1, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/klCSZ

On February 12, 2018, MAP announced it was launching an ad campaign to attack New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio after de Blasio said he would sue oil companies including BP, Chevron, Conoco-Phillips, ExxonMobil, and Royal Dutch Shell in the wake of the devastation caused by climate change.22MAP Launches Ad Campaign to Expose Mayor de Blasio’s Attack on Manufacturers,” Manufacturers Accountability Project, February 12, 2018. Archived February 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/gsCWV 23New York City sues Shell, ExxonMobil and other oil companies over climate change,” The Washington Post, January 10, 2018. Archived February 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Scr5I

“Mayor de Blasio’s frivolous lawsuit is a farce and a direct threat to the jobs and livelihoods of manufacturing workers in New York and across America,” NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons stated in a February 13 MAP news release.24Timmons: Mayor de Blasio Owes New Yorkers an Apology,” PR Newswire, February 13, 2018. Archived February 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/hcyTg

Cite Hall spokesman Eric Phillips criticized the ad campaign. “Shadowy groups funded by Big Oil won’t keep the mayor from fighting for our planet and city’s future,” he said, quoted by the New York Post.25Michael Gartland. “Ads will attack de Blasio’s lawsuits against oil companies,” New York Post, February 12, 2018. Archived February 20, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/NPNi7

In January 2019, NAM announced Phil Goldberg of Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. would join as Special Counsel for the Manufacturers’ Accountability Project (MAP) as part of an effort led by the Manufacturers’ Center for Legal Action (MCLA) to be a “leading voice of manufacturers in the courts.”26NAM’s MCLA Announces Phil Goldberg as Special Counsel,” National Association of Manufacturers, January 22, 2019. Archived January 24, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/iVETd

The NAM and its Manufacturers’ Accountability Project are the tip of the spear in the fight against the wave of unfounded public nuisance lawsuits targeting America’s manufacturers. The stakes could not be higher for manufacturers as well as the integrity of our legal system,” said Goldberg. 

Goldberg’s firm has a history of representing the tobacco industry, and now offers services to the energy industry for “savvy protection of assets and dogged advocacy in regulatory and litigation matters.”27COMMENTS ON TESTIMONY OF DORA ANNE MILLS, MD, MPH DIRECTOR, MAINE BUREAU OF HEALTH,” Shook Hardy & Bacon, March 12, 1999. Retrieved from Truth Tobacco Industry Documents Library. Bates No. 2065094580-2065094585. 28ENERGY,” Shook Hardy & Bacon. Archived January 25, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/BoP1l

Stance on Climate Change

February 2016

An approved policy position document adopted at NAM‘s meeting in the winter of 2016 describes the group’s position on “trade-related aspects of climate change”:29“NAM POLICY POSITIONS” (PDF), National Association of Manufacturers, February 2016.

“The NAM believes that mitigating the impact of global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a significant and important goal for all nations. Any initiatives to achieve this goal, however, must not put American manufacturers at a relative competitive disadvantage. If actions are not taken by all significant emitters, there is substantial risk of carbon leakage that could nullify the effects of unilateral domestic action.”

The document suggests that that industry should be allowed to develop their own climate change solutions, as opposed to government regulation:30“NAM POLICY POSITIONS” (PDF), National Association of Manufacturers, February 2016.

“Government should not be in the business of picking winners and losers in the energy space, and must not impede or impair the ability of energy-producing and energy-consuming segments of industry to obtain adequate funding for energy-related investments. The NAM will identify and oppose overly restrictive regulations and the implementation of policies that limit or eliminate energy sources and production.”

It also supports Arctic and offshore drilling:31“NAM POLICY POSITIONS” (PDF), National Association of Manufacturers, February 2016.

“Exploration and development of promising areas onshore, offshore and in the Arctic can substantially lower our nation’s energy vulnerability.”

On coal, The NAM is in full support of its continued use and opposes environmental policies that would limit it in any way:32“NAM POLICY POSITIONS” (PDF), National Association of Manufacturers, February 2016.

“Government actions that unreasonably increase the cost of production and use of coal for limited environmental or health benefits are counterproductive. Unbalanced laws and regulations governing air, water and solid waste are currently the most crucial restraint on coal production and the use of coal by industry and utilities. Environmental policies should be reviewed and applied in a manner that balances reasonable environmental objectives with the need to have a diverse fuel portfolio, including continued cost-effective coal use.”

NAM‘s policy document describes renewables as “potential alternatives to traditional fossil fuels,” however disapproves of government subsidies, and implies the supposed unreliability of the power source:33“NAM POLICY POSITIONS” (PDF), National Association of Manufacturers, February 2016.

“Significant grid improvements are needed and encouraged to ensure manufacturers have secure, flexible and competitive energy options. As the nation’s energy mix expands and diversifies, government policies must place a priority on energy reliability.”

October 2009

According to a NAM Principles on Climate Change” document, “Successful U.S. greenhouse gas emission reduction policies” will, among other things, “Prioritize the removal of market barriers to achieving energy efficiency and emissions reduction at a net economic gain,” “Reform conflicting or duplicative Clean Air Act and other provisions,” and “Accompany climate policy with policies that expand the production and use of reliable affordable and environmentally sound domestic energy supplies.”34“NAM Principles on Climate Change” (PDF), National Association of Manufacturers, October 2009.

1998

The NAM‘s president Jerry J. Jasinowski wrote an opinion editorial in The Christian Science Monitor titled “Global Warming Treaty: Economic Boom or Bust? Bust – US Jobs and Industries Lost.” In the article, he declared:35Jerry J. Jasinowski. “Bust – US Jobs And Industries Lost,” Christian Science Monitor, December 12, 1997. Archived September 22, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/fl47b

“Not only are evaluations of the earth’s temperature mixed, but the computer models that interpret them are questionable. Put simply, the extent to which man-made emissions contribute to climate change has not been proven.”

Jasinowski went on to cite the now-deceased Frederick Seitz, who claimed “ A “disturbing corruption of the peer review process” could “deceive policymakers and the public into believing that the scientific evidence shows human activities are causing global warming.”

Jasinowski concluded that “The treaty won’t work, and should be opposed by those who recognize that economic growth and a sound environmental must go hand in hand.”36Jerry J. Jasinowski. “Bust – US Jobs And Industries Lost,” Christian Science Monitor, December 12, 1997. Archived September 22, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/fl47b

Funding

The below information is collected from publicly available 990 forms, and from data collected by the Conservative Transparency project. Note that not all individual values have been verified by DeSmog.37National Association of Manufacturers,” Conservative Transparency. Accessed September 21, 2017.

See the attached spreadsheet for additional information on National Association of Manufacturers funding by year (.xlsx).

NAM as Recipient

DonorTotal
Free Enterprise America$2,500,000
Freedom Partners$1,170,000
American Petroleum Institute$1,163,650
Intel Corporation$1,003,329
Merck$162,220
Dow Chemical Company$96,119
Alcoa$91,400
Norfolk Southern$71,590
Edison Electric Institute$50,000
American Gas Association$50,000
John Deere$16,000
Grand Total$6,374,308

NAM as Donor

RecipientTotal
American Chemistry Council$790,000
American Justice Partnership$520,000
Manufacturing Institute$300,000
The Manufacturing Institute$200,000
BIPAC Business Institute for Political Analysis$110,000
Heartland Institute$52,500
Third Way$25,000
National Foundation for American Policy$20,000
ACCF Center for Policy$18,000
Council on Competitiveness$13,500
Congressional black Caucus$10,000
Ivy Tech Foundation$10,000
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation$7,000
Five 41 Fund$6,000
St. Jude’s Children Research hospital$6,000
Fountain House$6,000
American Red Cross – Katrina Relief$5,000
Washington Tennis & Educational Foundation$5,000
Tax Relief Coalition$5,000
Congressional Hispanic Caucus$5,000
American Red Cross$5,000
Associated Industries of Kentucky$5,000
Best Friends Foundation$5,000
US Army War College Foundation$5,000
Drug-Free Kids$5,000
Washington Humane Society$5,000
Friends of Adam Smith$5,000
Independent Women’s Forum$5,000
Komen National Race for the Cure$4,000
Washington Scholarship Fund$4,000
INFO$3,000
Women’s Policy Inc.$3,000
Lupus Research Institute$2,500
Spina Bifida Association$2,500
World Childhood Fund$2,500
Thanks USA$2,500
Arthritis Foundation$2,500
Banneker Institute$2,500
Institute for International Econ.$2,000
Juvenille Diabetes Research$2,000
Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes$1,763
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce$1,500
American Enterprise Institute$1,500
Tax Foundation$1,000
District Sports$1,000
Women in Government Relations$1,000
Coastal America Foundation$1,000
American Jewish Committee$1,000
Kann Trowbridge Foundation$1,000
House DC$1,000
Grand Total$2,198,763

990 Forms

NAM Documents

Below is a collection of notable NAM reports and legal documents on climate, environment, and energy issues.

Key People

The following has been collected from the National Association of Manufacturers website via the Internet Archive. It can be searched and sorted by name, company, or category. Scroll right to view all names by year.

For additional information and sources, you can also view National Association of Manufacturers members and key people as a spreadsheet (.xlsx).

Actions

February 7, 2022

A coalition of industry groups including the NAM filed an Amicus Brief in support of a lawsuit to protect Enbridge’s Line 5 Pipeline in Michigan.38Brad Kramer. “Energy Industry Coalition Supports Litigation to Keep Line 5 Pipeline Flowing,” North American Energy Pipelines, February 7, 2022. Archived January 29, 2023. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/s8JHW

In 2020, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer sued to shut down the aging pipeline, citing “an unacceptable risk of a catastrophic oil spill in the Great Lakes.”39(Press Release). “Governor Whitmer Takes Action to Shut Down the Line 5 Dual Pipelines through the Straits of Mackinac After a Reasonable Transition Period to Protect the State’s Energy Needs,Governor Gretchen Whitmer, November 13, 2020. Archived April 9, 2023. Archive URL:https://archive.ph/rVPqw

The brief, filed by the law firm Beveridge & Diamond challenged the authority of the state of Michigan to regulate an interstate pipeline.”40BRIEF OF AMICI CURIAE AMERICAN FUEL & PETROCHEMICAL MANUFACTURERS, AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE, ASSOCATION OF OIL PIPE LINES, INDIANA PROPANE GAS ASSOCIATION, MICHIGAN PROPANE GAS ASSOCIATION, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS, NATIONAL PROPANE GAS ASSOCIATION, OHIO PROPANE GAS ASSOCIATION, AND WISCONSIN PROPANE GAS ASSOCIATION IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT In ENBRIDGE ENERGY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, et al., Plaintiffs, v. GRETCHEN WHITMER, et al., Defendants. Case No. 1:20-cv-1141-JTN-RSK in the UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT WESTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN SOUTHERN DIVISION.

Other trade groups involved in the Amicus Brief include the Association of Oil Pipe Lines, National Propane Gas Association, and the American Petroleum Institute.41BRIEF OF AMICI CURIAE AMERICAN FUEL & PETROCHEMICAL MANUFACTURERS, AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE, ASSOCATION OF OIL PIPE LINES, INDIANA PROPANE GAS ASSOCIATION, MICHIGAN PROPANE GAS ASSOCIATION, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS, NATIONAL PROPANE GAS ASSOCIATION, OHIO PROPANE GAS ASSOCIATION, AND WISCONSIN PROPANE GAS ASSOCIATION IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT In ENBRIDGE ENERGY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, et al., Plaintiffs, v. GRETCHEN WHITMER, et al., Defendants. Case No. 1:20-cv-1141-JTN-RSK in the UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT WESTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN SOUTHERN DIVISION.

2019

Phil Goldberg, special counsel to NAM’s Manufacturer’s Accountability Project, was featured in an article at The Guardian which outlined his attempt to postpone a University of Hawaii conference discussing recent lawsuits against the oil industry in the spring of 2019.42Chris McGreal. “The man who could help big oil derail America’s climate fight,”The Guardian, March 17, 2022. Archived March 17, 2022. Archive URL:https://archive.ph/HVGA0

In 2019, Goldberg wrote to the university that the event “does students and the general public a significant disservice” for not including representatives from the oil industry. Denise Antolini, a professor of law and then-associate dean at the university, replied to Goldberg:43Chris McGreal. “The man who could help big oil derail America’s climate fight,”The Guardian, March 17, 2022. Archived March 17, 2022. Archive URL:https://archive.ph/HVGA0

“Your request to disrupt our public event was quite surprising, especially coming from far across the continent, from someone I’ve never heard of, on behalf of a private client with an apparently direct financial interest in chilling debate about climate litigation.”

While the conference proceeded, The Guardian reported Golberg “had managed to pressure Antolini into reciting his objections to the conference in her opening statement” and also “convinced the university to post his blogs on its website alongside a letter published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser denouncing the meeting for daring to suggest there was a solid legal case against the oil companies.”44Chris McGreal. “The man who could help big oil derail America’s climate fight,”The Guardian, March 17, 2022. Archived March 17, 2022. Archive URL:https://archive.ph/HVGA0

“Goldberg is leading a charge in local media to discredit those suing the fossil fuel industry as a ‘fringe litigation movement’ conspiracy of opportunistic politicians, environmental extremists and money-grasping lawyers who pose a threat to the American way of life,” The Guardian noted.45Chris McGreal. “The man who could help big oil derail America’s climate fight,”The Guardian, March 17, 2022. Archived March 17, 2022. Archive URL:https://archive.ph/HVGA0

March 27, 2019

In an op-ed for Politico, NAM vice president of energy and resources policy Ross Eisenberg defended his organization’s opposition to the proposed Green New Deal, describing it as:

an unrealistic set of proposals that has incited a messaging war over a pile of issues that have very little to do with the environment.”46Ross Eisenberg. “Forget the Green New Deal. Let’s Get to Work on a Real Climate Bill,” Politico, March 27, 2019. Archived March 27, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/LVLpp

Eisenberg praised the work of the manufacturing sector in reducing emissions and suggested that further progress could be made with or without an act of Congress. He suggested a number of actions that could be achieved through legislation, including the continued utilization of all available carbon resources complemented by further innovation in carbon capture technologies.47Ross Eisenberg. “Forget the Green New Deal. Let’s Get to Work on a Real Climate Bill,” Politico, March 27, 2019. Archived March 27, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/LVLpp

Citing competition as NAM’s primary focus in influencing governmental climate policies, Eisenberg concluded:

We’re going to drive a hard bargain so that we can keep creating more solutions and expanding on our progress: Our barometer is that manufacturers in America must stay competitive in the global economy. That requires realistic, practical policies that we can implement while we continue to do the things that make the manufacturing sector strong.”48Ross Eisenberg. “Forget the Green New Deal. Let’s Get to Work on a Real Climate Bill,” Politico, March 27, 2019. Archived March 27, 2019. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/LVLpp

March 19, 2019

Axios reported that a coalition of oil and gas companies formed the prior year, titled the Energy Advance Center (EAC), would begin working under the National Association of Manufacturers.491 big thing: A K Street carbon alliance,” Axios, March 19, 2019. Archived April 4, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/RIEy3

Axios reported last year that, while “EAC‘s detailed policy goals are not clear …  it backs allowing companies to receive the tax credit without submitting a monitoring plan to the Environmental Protection Agency.”50Amy Harder. “Big Oil quietly pushes change to new carbon law,” Axios, May 21, 2018. Archived April 4, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/ivmjD

Companies represented in the coalition at its formation included:

January 26, 2018

Former White House Advisor Lindsey de la Torre joined the NAM as Executive Director of their Manufacturers’ Accountability Project, and Special Counsel to the Manufacturers’ Center for Legal Action (MCLA). One of the primary goals of the Accountability Project has been to push back against climate change lawsuits affecting industry.51Former White House Advisor to Lead the NAM’s Manufacturers’ Accountability Project,” Manufacturers’ Accountability Project, January 26, 2018. Archived February 1, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/7mIpA

Lindsey’s arrival could not come at a more crucial moment, with a growing number of public officials joining activists and plaintiffs’ lawyers in a misguided campaign to target manufacturers across the country,” said NAM Senior Vice President and General Counsel Linda Kelly.52Former White House Advisor to Lead the NAM’s Manufacturers’ Accountability Project,” Manufacturers’ Accountability Project, January 26, 2018. Archived February 1, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/7mIpA

January 2019

The National Association of Manufacturers hired Phil Goldberg,53Sue Reisinger “National Association of Manufacturers Hires Special Counsel to Handle Growing Climate Change Lawsuits,” Corporate Counsel, January 23, 2019. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. managing partner of the Washington, D.C., office of Shook, Hardy & Bacon, as special counsel to help MAP fight against climate change lawsuits filed against oil companies.54Karen Savage. “Battling for Big Oil: Manufacturing Trade Group Leads Assault on Climate Suits,” Climate Liability News, February 26, 2019. Archived February 26, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/Ep5D6

Goldberg formerly worked as a lobbyist for the coal industry,55Goldberg, Philip S,” OpenSecrets. Accessed February 26, 2019. and his law firm Shook, Hardy & Bacon has a history of defending the tobacco industry.56Mark Hansen. “Shook Hardy Smokes ‘Em,” ABA Journal, October 2008. Archived February 27, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/qZYiI

Sharon Eubanks, a former Department of Justice lawyer who has worked on cases against the tobacco industry, compared MAP‘s fight of climate litigation suits to tobacco:

It’s very similar what they’re doing, only the tobacco industry at least didn’t come right out and say ‘We’re going to target these lawsuits directly.’ They did so indirectly. But NAM and MAP, they’re like, ‘We’re targeting the lawsuits.’”57Karen Savage. “Battling for Big Oil: Manufacturing Trade Group Leads Assault on Climate Suits,” Climate Liability News, February 26, 2019. Archived February 26, 2019. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/Ep5D6

September 29, 2017

The NAM partnered with North America’s Building Trades Unions to create the Coalition for Regulatory Innovation. The Coalition, was created shortly before President Donald Trump’s “Cut The Red Tape Day” speech, underlining the president’s deregulation agenda, reported the Washington Examiner.58John Siciliano and Josh Seigel. “Daily on Energy: Perry tells FERC to get cracking on helping coal and nuclear,” The Washington Examiner, Septembe 29, 2017. Archived September 30, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/BqR0f

We launched the Coalition for Regulatory Innovation to help Americans understand this thicket of state and federal rules and champion common-sense reforms that remove unnecessary burdens on the economy. The coalition will highlight some of the most misguided rules and outline principles for reform,” the group said.59John Siciliano and Josh Seigel. “Daily on Energy: Perry tells FERC to get cracking on helping coal and nuclear,” The Washington Examiner, Septembe 29, 2017. Archived September 30, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/BqR0f

National Association of Manufacturers President Jay Timmons and North America’s Building Trades Unions President Sean McGarvey announced the Coalition in a September 28 Op Ed. Initial members included:60Jay Timmons. “Business, labor leader: Regulatory reform means jobs – let’s get it done,” Fox News, September 29, 2017. Archived September 30, 2017. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/B6yaR 61Coalition Members,” Coaliting for Regulatory Innovation. Archived September 30, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/iwtZ8

May 23, 2017

As reported by the Climate Investigations Center and DeSmog, NAM attempted to withdraw from a federal climate lawsuit 18 months after it had moved to intervene on the case. The lawsuit, filed in 2015 by the non-profit Our Children’s Trust, claimed that the federal government has a “public trust” obligation under the constitution to protect the climate.62National Association of Manufacturers Attempts 11th Hour Escape from Our Children’s Trust Climate Lawsuit,” DeSmog, May 23, 2017. The suit was filed by plaintiffs aged 9 to two from across the united states, as well as climate scientist James Hansen and Earth Guardians.63Dan Zegart. “Trump Administration Pressing for Appeal, Dismissal of Climate Lawsuit,” Climate Investigations Center, March 9, 2017. Archived September 22, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/2aMCh

The NAM motion to withdraw came on May 22, around the same time it was ordered to produce documents relating to its activities related to climate change. NAM, along with the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) and the American Petroleum Institute (API), first intervened in the case in November, 2015.64Case 6:15-cv-01517-TC Document 163 (PDF).], [Case 6:15-cv-01517-TC Document 15 Filed 11/12/15  (PDF).

What is noticeably absent from these withdrawal motions is the reason why the fossil fuel industry wants to leave the case,” Philip Gregory, a lawyer for the young plaintiffs said, as reported by Reuters. NAM spokeswoman Jennifer Drogus said in an email that “We no longer feel that our participation in this case is needed to safeguard industry and our workers.”65Emily Flitter. “U.S. fossil fuel groups pull out of climate change court case,” Reuters, May 25, 2017. Archived September 22, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/ne5Xm

Climate Investigations also reported on the Trump administration’s attempts to halt the case, pending review by a higher court.66Dan Zegart. “Trump Administration Pressing for Appeal, Dismissal of Climate Lawsuit,” Climate Investigations Center, March 9, 2017. Archived September 22, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/2aMCh

August 2016

Scientific American reported that the NAM, along with the American Petroleum Institute and the US Chamber of Commerce, were among groups opposing a new rule proposed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to increase environmental disclosures. The move would focus on extracting more information from companies on climate change.67Benjamin Hulac. “Climate Risk Is Poorly Represented in Company Financial Filings,” Scientific American, August 11, 2016. Archived September 27, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/OX0qm

NAM‘s Director of Tax Policy, Christina Crooks, said:

The disclosures that public companies, public manufacturing companies, must file are already really lengthy and burdensome and overwhelm not only the issuers […] but also their shareholders,” Crooks said.68Benjamin Hulac. “Climate Risk Is Poorly Represented in Company Financial Filings,” Scientific American, August 11, 2016. Archived September 27, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/OX0qm

March 2016

The NAM released a pamphlet opposing the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforecement’s (BSEE) proposed Well Control Rule), which would impose stricter safety requirements on offshore oil and gas drilling.69“Proposed Well Control Rule COSTS MANUFACTURER Jobs and Economic Growth” (PDF), National Association of Manufacturers. Document created March 17, 2016

“These expansive new requirements on offshore oil and gas drilling […] could curtail oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico, threatening jobs for the manufacturers that supply and use this energy,” the NAM document claims.70“Proposed Well Control Rule COSTS MANUFACTURER Jobs and Economic Growth” (PDF), National Association of Manufacturers. Document created March 17, 2016.

The document cites 2015 research done for the industry-funded American Petroleum Institute (API).71“Proposed Well Control Rule COSTS MANUFACTURER Jobs and Economic Growth” (PDF), National Association of Manufacturers. Document created March 17, 2016.

February 9, 2016

In a statement celebrating the U.S. Supreme Court’s industry motion to stay the Clean Power Plan, NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons noted the role of “manufacturers’ leadership” in the decision:72Timmons: Without Doubt, This Is a Win for Manufacturers,” National Association of Manufacturers, February 9, 2016. Archived September 27, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/S3HBH

“Manufacturers’ leadership in the courts helped secure this important victory at the Supreme Court. The administration’s burdensome and costly regulation creates uncertainty, threatening our global competitiveness and ability to create jobs and economic opportunity,” Timmons said. “Today’s decision by the Supreme Court is one step towards overturning this overreaching rule, and the Manufacturers’ Center for Legal Action will continue to fight this legally questionable regulation in the courts.”

June 24, 2015

The NAM released a letter of support for H.R. 2042, the Ratepayer Protection Act of 2015, which would extend compliance dates of the EPA‘s greenhouse gas emissions regulations rule of existing power plants. According to the NAM letter, “Implementing the EPA’s proposed GHG rule will hurt domestic manufacturers’ competitiveness, threatening growth and the livelihood of manufacturing employees.”73“Dear Representatives” (PDF)National Association of Manufacturers, June 24, 2015.

December 2015

The National Association of Manufacturers’ Center for Legal Action filed its second lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the part of the Clean Power Plan (CPP) that would regulate new power plants.74Quentin Riegel. “Manufacturers File Second Suit Against EPA’s Clean Power Plan,” National Association of Manufacturers, December 18, 2015. Archived September 27, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/GfJuJ The NMA‘s first lawsuit, which it filed earlier in 2015, focused on existing power plants.75Manufacturers Lead Legal Challenge to Clean Power Plan,” National Association of Manufacturers, October 23, 2015. Archived September 28, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/ZD8tu

2015

The NAM orchestrated an anti-ozone regulation campaign, which included a range of national and state-wide campaign videos. In one video, NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons claims that the “Ozone Standard will kill American jobs”:76Ozone Regulations,” National Association of Manufacturers. Archived September 27, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/85gX4

July 8, 2015

The NAM issued a statement opposing an amendment to H.R. 2822, the Department of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2016, which would regulate hydraulic fracturing (fracking) on federal and Native American lands.77“Dear Representatives:” (PDF)National Association of Manufacturers. July 8, 2015.

June 19, 2015

In a letter to President Barack Obama, The NAM and a number of other industry groups expressed “deep concern with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule to lower the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone.”78“Dear Mr. President:” (PDF), June 19, 2015.

The PDF document lists Greg Bertelsen as the author, former Senior Director, Energy and Resources Policy, at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and currently Senior Vice President of the Climate Leadership Council.79Greg Bertelsen,” Climate Leadership Council. Archived September 27, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/xkKJz

December 26, 2014

The NAM, in conjunction with the US Chamber of Commerce and the American Tort Reform Association, filed a brief as amici curiae in support of the BP oil company in a case involving damages from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.80“IN RE: DEEPWATER HORIZON” (PDF), Case: 14-31299 Document: 00512883029 Date Filed: 12/26/2014.

July 2014

NERA Economic Consulting, the same group behind a report cited by Donald Trump in supporting his decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate agreement,81Graham Readfearn. “Tobacco To Fossil Fuels: Tracing the Roots of Trump’s Claims on Paris Climate Deal,” DeSmog, June 1, 2017. prepared a report for NAM titled “Assessing Economic Impacts of a Stricter National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Ozone.”82“Assessing Economic Impacts of a Stricter National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Ozone” (PDF)NERA Economic Consulting, July 2014. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

The study examines the economic costs of the EPA‘s new proposed ozone standards. The report claims that “ the potential emissions control costs would reduce U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by $270 billion per year on average over the period from 2017 through 2040.”83“Assessing Economic Impacts of a Stricter National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Ozone” (PDF)NERA Economic Consulting, July 2014. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

NERA has produced numerous reports for the energy industry and has accepted millions of dollars in donations from major corporations and industry groups, including ExxonMobil, the American Petroleum Institute.84American Council for Capital Formation,” Conservative Transparency. Accessed June 21, 2017. NERA also has a long history of working with the tobacco industry.85Search of Truth Tobacco Industry Documents library at UCSF. Performed September 2017.

January 30, 2014

According to a 2014 press release, The NAM served as co-chair, alongside the U.S. Chamber of Commerce‘s Institute for 21st Century Energy, of a group titled the “The Partnership for a Better Energy Future.”86Broad Coalition of Stakeholders Announce Effort to Ensure Affordable and Reliable Energy,” National Association of Manufacturers, January 30, 2014. Archived September 27, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/HdrDZ

“The Partnership for a Better Energy Future, which comprises groups representing consumers and businesses from sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, refining and mining, will serve as the leading voice in support of a unified strategy and message in response to the Obama Administration’s GHG regulatory agenda,” the press release notes.

NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons commented:87Broad Coalition of Stakeholders Announce Effort to Ensure Affordable and Reliable Energy,” National Association of Manufacturers, January 30, 2014. Archived September 27, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/HdrDZ

To remain competitive in a global economy, manufacturers need an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy to ensure they have access to affordable and reliable energy,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Unfortunately, this Administration seems to believe that the only way to reduce GHG emissions is to eliminate fossil fuels from our economy. Manufacturers believe we can use these and other fuels while reducing our emissions. We must convince the Administration to make better choices as it begins to regulate GHGs. Through this coalition, we hope to do so.”

Other notable coalition members included the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE), American Petroleum Institute, Illinois Coal Association, National Mining Association, and many other industry groups. View the full list of members at the coalition’s website, www.betterenergyfuture.org.88Our Members,“ Partnership for a Better Energy Future. Archived September 27, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/31v5C

February 26, 2013

NERA Economic Consulting prepared a report for the NAM titled “Economic Outcomes of a U.S. Carbon Tax.” The report concludes that “the potential fiscal benefits from the use of carbon tax revenues do not change the major potential trade-offs in carbon policy, which are that emissions reductions have a net cost and that deeper emissions cuts are increasingly costly.”89“Economic Outcomes of a U.S. Carbon Tax” (PDF)NERA Economic Consulting, February 26, 2013.

May 2013

The NAM released a report on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Regulations, claiming that “There are few, if any, limits on the EPA’s new authority” under the Clean Air Act.” The document suggests a “simple legislative solution” to amend Section 165 of the Clean Air Act to exclude greenhouse gasses.90“Greenhouse Gas Regulations: How the EPA Is Regulating Manufacturers’ Shop Floors” (PDF)National Association of Manufacturers. Document created May 14, 2013.

June 2012

The NAM, along with other pro-industry groups including the American Petroleum Institute (API), American Chemistry Council, American Forest & Paper Association, the U.S. Chamber of CommerceAmerican Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), and numerous others submitted comments opposing the EPA‘s proposed regulation of greenhouse gases through the proposed New Source Performance Standard (NSPS).91Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions for New Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units, Docket ID No. EPA –HQ–OAR–2011–0660; FRL–9654–7, 77 Fed. Reg. 22,392 (April 13, 2012)” (PDF), National Association of Manufacturers, June 25, 2012.

“For the reasons described below, we urge the EPA to withdraw this proposal given the already significant adverse consequences of the proposal on industry, and to engage instead—if at all—in a process with all interested stakeholders as to whether and how the EPA should approach GHG regulation through NSPS before proposing rules that have an immediate and harmful impact,” the letter reads.92Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions for New Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units, Docket ID No. EPA –HQ–OAR–2011–0660; FRL–9654–7, 77 Fed. Reg. 22,392 (April 13, 2012)” (PDF), National Association of Manufacturers, June 25, 2012.

The conclusion describes the EPA‘s proposed GHG rule as “unlawful,” and suggests “ The EPA should immediately withdraw the proposed rule.”93Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions for New Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units, Docket ID No. EPA –HQ–OAR–2011–0660; FRL–9654–7, 77 Fed. Reg. 22,392 (April 13, 2012)” (PDF), National Association of Manufacturers, June 25, 2012.

June 23, 2009

The NAM submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPAon the proposed endangerment finding on greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. According to the letter, regulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) under the Clean Air Act “will provide no net benefits to environmental quality, but will result in serious risks to our nation’s short-term economic recovery and long-term international competitiveness.”94COMMENTS on PROPOSED ENDANGERMENT AND CAUSE ORC ONTRIBUTE FINDINGS FOR GREENHOUSE GASES (GHGs) Under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act” (PDF), National Association of Manufacturers, June 23, 2009.

2008

The American Council for Capital Formation (ACCCF)  worked on a joint research project with the National Association of Manufacturers “on the impact of ‘America’s Climate Security Act of 2007’ on the U.S. Economy,” ACCCF‘s 2009 990 form reported.

The joint study claimed that the Lieberman-Warner climate change bill would “reduce U.S. gross domestic product by up to $210 billion per year by 2020.”95Adrienne Selko. “Lieberman-Warner Bill Not Good for Manufacturing Says NAM,” Industry Week, May 6, 2008. Archived September 21, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/pnlIG View the full report here (PDF).96“Analysis of The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act (S. 2191) Using The National Energy Modeling System (NEMS/ACCF/NAM)” (PDF), retrieved from ACCF.org.

September 1997

The NAM, Air Transport Association of America, American Petroleum Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the United Mine Workers of America sponsored a nation-wide advertising campaign to push the Clinton administration to reject a worldwide climate change treaty, The Washington Times reported.97Group’s ads get hot over position on warming,” Washington Times, September 10, 1997. Retrieved from Greenpeace Investigations.

The campaign included radio spots, print ads in newspapers, a website (www.climatefacts.org), and a toll-free phone number (888-54FACTS). The ads included warnings of a 50-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax.98Group’s ads get hot over position on warming,” Washington Times, September 10, 1997. Retrieved from Greenpeace Investigations.

Kelly Sims, a director of science policy at Ozone Action, described the warning as “totally distorted.” “No one has talked about a gas tax,” she said, adding that the groups are “trying to scare the public before there’s anything to be scared about.”99Group’s ads get hot over position on warming,” Washington Times, September 10, 1997. Retrieved from Greenpeace Investigations.

By September 1997, coalition members reported they had already spent $3 million on the ads, and planned to spend $13 million or more in total.100Group’s ads get hot over position on warming,” Washington Times, September 10, 1997. Retrieved from Greenpeace Investigations.

“We should avoid the herd mentality that says. ‘Sign first ask questions later,’” said NAM President Jerry Jasinowski.101Group’s ads get hot over position on warming,” Washington Times, September 10, 1997. Retrieved from Greenpeace Investigations.

1997

According to an archived December 1997 New York Times piece, NAM met earlier in that year to “to map out a strategy for broadening opposition to a new [climate] treaty.” As part of that effort, it decided to look to the labor movement. “The most obvious ally for industry was the United Mine Workers of America,” John H. Cushman Jr. wrote in the column. As “coal gives off more carbon dioxide than any other fuel” and so emissions limits would “hit that union hardest.”102John H. Cushman Jr. “Intense Lobbying Against Global Warming Treaty” (PDF)The New York Times. Retrieved from Greenpeace Investigations.

According to the Congressonal Record, NAM president Jerry Jasinowski testified that the proposed treaty “[…] would hurt America’s manufacturers, workers and families with little or no environmental benefit since new restrictive policies in the U.S. simply would force the flight of U.S. investment to developing countries. Millions of Americans would lose their jobs and American manufacturers would take a severe hit in the marketplace.”103Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates of the 105th Congress, First Session. Vol. 143, No. 107 (July 1997). Retrieved from Greenpeace Investigations.

Contact & Address

National Association of Manufacturers110About,” National Association of Manufacturers. Archived September 20, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/rh1rQ

733 10th Street NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20001

Toll Free: (800) 814-8468 
Phone: (202) 637-3000
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