April 1998, American Petroleum Institute’s secret plan was leaked – the Global Climate Science Communications Plan. The plan was created just months after the Kyoto Protocol was signed in December 1997. It was developed by representatives from Exxon (specifically Randy Randol), Chevron, Southern Company and representatives from conservative and libertarian organizations. The plan includes a multimillion dollar, multi-year budget and detailed strategies to install “uncertainty” in the public policy arena.  Target audiences are detailed including media, policy makers and teachers. The aim is clear: “Victory will be achieved when average citizens understand uncertainties in climate science…”

The companies and organizations involved with the plan included:

• American Petroleum Institute
• Exxon
• Southern Company
• Chevron
• John Adams Associates
• Science and Environmental Policy Project
• Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow
• The George C. Marshall Institute
• Environmental Issues Council
• Frontiers of Freedom
• Americans for Tax Reform
• The Advancement of Sound Science Coalition

Funding sources were identified as American Petroleum Institute (API) and its members; Business Round Table (BRT) and its members; Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and its members; Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) and its members; and the National Mining Association (NMA) and its members.

Potential fund allocators were identified as the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT), Competitive Enterprise Institute, Frontiers of Freedom and The George C. Marshall Institute.