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PAC FAQ ›
What is the Western Energy Alliance PAC?
Established in 2007, the Western Energy Alliance PAC is a voluntary, nonpartisan political action committee that is registered with the U.S. Federal Election Commission (FEC). The PAC allows members of Western Energy Alliance to pool personal, voluntary financial contributions to support federal candidates seeking elective office and who support issues important to our industry.
Why does Western Energy Alliance have a PAC?
Active engagement in the political process is an important means of protecting our industry, your employees and shareholder interests. The size and scope of government has continued to increase and grow more complex. When government decides how business is conducted and public policy decisions are made in one industry sector, they often reverberate in many other sectors as well. The federal government is becoming more proactive than ever before, leading the charge in legislative activity on important issues that impact our business. As a leader in our industry and the business community, it's critical that we be engaged with a robust, effective PAC.
Does the PAC report its contributions and expenditures?
Yes. PAC operations are transparent and compliant with all applicable laws. Because they are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC), PACs are considered the most transparent form of political involvement. Federal law requires the PAC to report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose aggregate contribution exceeds $200 in a calendar year. As required by law, PAC activity is publicly disclosed on the FEC website.
What are the PAC's contribution criteria?
The Western Energy Alliance PAC supports candidates who support public policies that enable responsible and timely development of oil and natural gas in the West. The PAC generally does not contribute to candidates running for their party's nomination in a primary election. The PAC contributes to candidates who have a strong track record of supporting oil and natural gas development and meet one or more of the following criteria:
Represent a western state
Occupy key Congressional committee assignments
Advance legislation that encourages domestic energy development
Oppose incumbents who are hostile to our industry
Who decides where the PAC money goes?
The PAC is governed by written guidelines and supervised by the PAC treasurer, who is a member of the Western Energy Alliance staff. PAC donors who have given at least $1,000 in a calendar year sit on the PAC steering committee, which makes decisions on how the PAC funds are spent. The steering committee meets quarterly to review and plan future PAC activities and contributions.
What percentage of my contribution actually goes toward candidates?
Ninety-seven percent or more of your PAC contribution goes directly to support federal candidates for office. Western Energy Alliance generally pays PAC administrative and operating costs where permitted by law. Other expenses paid by the PAC are minimal and generally constitute less than 3 percent of annual PAC receipts.
Am I required to contribute to the PAC?
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PAC ARE STRICTLY VOLUNTARY. Your decision to join the PAC has absolutely no effect on your membership status or relationship with Western Energy Alliance.
How much can I contribute to the PAC?
Individuals are allowed to contribute up to $5,000 per year to the PAC using only personal or LLC/LLP funds. The PAC has suggested contribution levels, which are outlined on the enrollment form. Contribution levels are only a suggestion and more or less may be given without reprisal. Contributions at any level are always welcomed and appreciated. A typical contribution is $250, and donors who give $1,000 or more in a calendar year sit on the PAC steering committee. PAC contributions are not tax deductible and must come from personal or LLC/LLP funds. No corporate funds may be used as PAC contributions. Only U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) who are residing in the U.S. are allowed by law to contribute.
Who sees how much members give to the PAC?
Only essential PAC administrators have access to PAC member information. Federal law requires the PAC to report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose aggregate contribution exceeds of $200 in a calendar year. This information is publicly available on the Federal Election Commission's website www.FEC.gov.
Events at Western Energy Alliance help support the Legal Defense Fund, which enables the Alliance to legally challenge policies that prevent oil and natural gas development in the West, such as federal fracking and methane rules, and to advance positive policies regarding species protection, federal leasing, and compensatory mitigation.
The average permitting time on federal lands is 220 days. States, on the other hand, take only 30 days on average to process a permit.