BP doesn't uphold biodiversity

This letter was sent to Chicago Wilderness regarding BP’s corporate membership in the organization. No reply to the request has been received by the Chicago Audubon Society.

Copy:

June 9, 2009

Melinda Pruett-Jones

cwadmin@chicagowilderness.org

Executive Director

Chicago Wilderness

Dear Ms. Pruett-Jones:

Again, sadly British Petroleum Whiting Refinery in northwest Indiana is in the headlines for polluting our environment with the release of benzene, a cancer-causing chemical.  One reaction to this latest violation is from 19 members of Congress calling for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a comprehensive review of all BP permits.  Another reaction is that a citizen organization representing residents living near the BP Whiting Refinery sent a notice of intent to sue BP under EPA guidelines. There are also four law firms that are challenging the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s decision to approve the BP air permit that allows Canadian tar sands to be refined at the plant.

As you know, Michelle Uting, Chicago Wilderness, brought to your attention on October 17, 2008 that Chicago Audubon Society requested that Chicago Wilderness remove BP, a corporate council member, from membership because BP does not uphold the goals and mission of this regional organization.

Michelle indicated we would hear from you, the organization’s executive director or Patricia Cassady, Corporate Council Coordinator, but we are very disappointed that there was no response to our grave concerns.

Given the current negative BP news, we again urge Chicago Wilderness to uphold higher standards and confront BP’s membership. Since BP contributes financially to Chicago Wilderness, it is understandable that this request will be controversial; however, the reputation of the other organizations that belong to Chicago Wilderness should be considered as well and Chicago Audubon Society is a member.

Please begin the process to challenge BP’s membership in Chicago Wilderness as BP can no longer be trusted to be concerned about the condition of Lake Michigan, wildlife, and humans living in the Calumet Region and we believe they are failing to protect the region’s biodiversity.

Sincerely,

Carolyn A. Marsh

Chicago Audubon Society

Whiting, Indiana

Copy: Patricia Cassady

patricia.cassady@chicagowilderness.org

Corporate Council Coordinator

Chicago Wilderness