William O’Keefe

William F. O’Keefe

Credentials

Background

William O’Keefe is the former CEO of the George C. Marshall Institute, before it became the CO2 Coalition in 2015. He also sat as an inital Board Member of the CO2 Coalition.2Board Members,” George C. Marshall Institute. Archived August 15, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/jDCXl 3 Gayathri Vaidyanathan. “ADVOCACY:Think tank that cast doubt on climate change science morphs into smaller one,” ClimateWire, December 10, 2015. Archived February 26, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/d7APw 4About,” Co2 Coalition. Archived September 4, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Xo0M9

O’Keefe served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the American Petroleum Institute (API) from 1974 to 1999. API ”represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry.”5About API,” American Petroleum Institute. Archived January 28, 1999. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/yF5Y2 6ABOUT API,” American Petroleum Institute. Archived March 24, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/sp7US

He has worked for a variety of think tanks and industry groups in executive capacities, and has worked as a registered lobbyist for industry groups on climate change and energy issues including oil giant ExxonMobil and API.7 Lobbying Disclosure Act Database search. Performed March 25, 2017. Archived .xlsx on file at DeSmog.

According to his archived profile at the Marshall Institute, O’Keefe previously sat on the board of the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), and was president of the now-defunct Global Climate Coalition (GCC) (of which API was a member). He has also been a director at the Kennedy Institute, and the U.S. Energy Association. He was formerly the Senior Vice President of Jellinek, Schwartz and Conolly, Inc. and Chief Administrative Officer of the Center for Naval Analyses.8William O’Keefe,” George C. Marshall Institute. Archived September 28, 2013. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Abs0q

Lobbying

O’Keefe is founder and president of the lobbying firm Solutions Consulting, for which he served as a registered lobbyist for ExxonMobil Corporation from 2001 to 2005. He was also a registered lobbyist for the American Petroleum Institute (API) according to data from OpenSecrets.org. According to the Marshall Institute’s 2009 form 990, Solutions Consulting also “provided consulting services” to the George C. Marshall Institute.9Lobbying Registration” (PDF), Clerk of the House of Representatives, June 10, 2004. Retrieved from The United States Senate Lobbying Disclose Act Database. PDF on file at DeSmog. 10O’Keefe, William F,” OpenSecrets.org. Accessed March 25, 2017. Archived data on file at DeSmog.

A query of the United States Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act Database reveals the following from a search for the lobbyist name “o’keefe, william”:11 Lobbying Disclosure Act Database search. Performed March 25, 2017. Archived .xlsx on file at DeSmog.

Registrant & Client NameAmount Reported
American Petroleum Institute
AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE
1999$1,572,855
2000$460,000
2008$1,270,000
SOLUTIONS CONSULTING
ADA CONSULTING SERVICES$0
2003$0
2004$0
EXXON MOBIL
2001$0
2002$0
2004$20,000
2005$0
Grand Total$3,322,855

According to original filings, O’Keefe lobbied for ExxonMobil primarily on issues relating to “climate change,” “energy legislation and climate change provisions,” and “energy.”12 Lobbying Disclosure Act Database search. Performed March 25, 2017. Archived .xlsx on file at DeSmog.

Stance on Climate Change

October 11, 2015

Writing at the Marshall Institute, William O’Keefe claims the debate on whether humans are causing climate change is not settled:13 William O’Keefe. “Senator Whitehouse Whitewashes Climate Change Reality,” George C. Marshall Institute, October 11, 2015. Archived March 24, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/VZYCe

“Advocates assert that the hypothesis that increased atmospheric carbon dioxide—CO2—from fossil fuel use will lead to unacceptable increases in global temperatures is no longer open to debate. A review of the evolution of our understanding of the climate system and human influence on it makes clear that neither climate science nor human influence are settled.”14 William O’Keefe. “Senator Whitehouse Whitewashes Climate Change Reality,” George C. Marshall Institute, October 11, 2015. Archived March 24, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/VZYCe

2001–2005

The Huffington Post wrote that O’Keefe “has moved from the ‘there is no problem’ phase directly into the ‘it’s too late’ phase.” In 2001, O’Keefe had declared:15 Carl Pope. “The Heat Is On,” The Huffington Post, October 3, 2005. Archived March 25, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/fFNHo

“We have no capacity to influence Mother Nature”16 Carl Pope. “The Heat Is On,” The Huffington Post, October 3, 2005. Archived March 25, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/fFNHo

In 2005, he said that it was too late to do anything about climate change:17 Carl Pope. “The Heat Is On,” The Huffington Post, October 3, 2005. Archived March 25, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/fFNHo

“We aren’t going to put the carbon dioxide genie back in the bottle. There’s no going back. There is too much fossil fuel, it’s too cheap, and it’s too easy to get.”18 Carl Pope. “The Heat Is On,” The Huffington Post, October 3, 2005. Archived March 25, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/fFNHo

Key Quotes

October, 2015

Speaking of the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP) 21 in Paris, O’Keefe wrote at the Marshall Institute:19 William O’Keefe. “Climate Radicalism,” George C. Marshall Institute, October 5, 2015. Archived March 24, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/x9e9U

”[…] the climate problem that the COP seeks to solve is not real. It is an image that does not conform with the real world or the climate that we actually experience.”20 William O’Keefe. “Climate Radicalism,” George C. Marshall Institute, October 5, 2015. Archived March 24, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/x9e9U

August 28, 2015

Writing at the Fuel Fix blog (cross posted at the Marshall Institute), O’Keefe declares:21 William O’Keefe. “Commentary: Climate Industry’s Annual Meeting,” Fuel Fix, August 28, 2015. Archived March 25, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/XtQuU 22Climate Industry’s Annual Meeting,” George C. Marshall Institute, July 28, 2015. Archived March 24, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/blaIh

“While the annual meetings of the climate establishment are likely to continue there is growing evidence that the climate is not behaving as the models say it should have and the fact that CO2 is a nutrient that makes our lives better because of plant and crop growth.”23 William O’Keefe. “Commentary: Climate Industry’s Annual Meeting,” Fuel Fix, August 28, 2015. Archived March 25, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/XtQuU

June 30, 2004

Writing at United for Jobs, O’Keefe described the Climate Stewardship Act as a “Trojan horse.”24 Bill O’Keefe. “A CLIMATE CHANGE TROJAN HORSE,” United for Jobs, June 30, 2004. Archived August 16, 2004. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/8gNPR

“The sponsors of this legislation, Senators McCain and Lieberman, believe that it is a cost-effective way using market forces to respond to the serious climate change threat caused by human activity. In fact it is none of these and their statements about the seriousness of the climate change threat goes well beyond the current state of scientific knowledge,” O’Keefe wrote.25 Bill O’Keefe. “A CLIMATE CHANGE TROJAN HORSE,” United for Jobs, June 30, 2004. Archived August 16, 2004. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/8gNPR

June 1, 2001

Writing at the George C. Marshall Institute about the Kyoto Protocol, O’Keefe declared:26 William O’Keefe. “Candor about Kyoto,” George C. Marshall Institute, June 1, 2001. Archived March 25, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/M8gsS

“The President said what most people familiar with this issue already knew: Kyoto is flawed and will not work.”27 William O’Keefe. “Candor about Kyoto,” George C. Marshall Institute, June 1, 2001. Archived March 25, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/M8gsS

November, 1998

O’Keefe presented at a congressional hearing, saying the Kyoto protocol was driven by “pseudo facts” and “doomed to failure,” Oil and Gas Journal reported.28API: U.S. oil industry recognizes climate change risk,” Oil & Gas Journal, November 2, 1998. Archived March 25, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

“Fortunately, we have sufficient time to craft a course of action based on facts, hardheaded analysis, and objective assessment of the climate risks,” he said.29API: U.S. oil industry recognizes climate change risk,” Oil & Gas Journal, November 2, 1998. Archived March 25, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

According to O’Keefe, the risks of climate change are “more moderate and in the more distant future than the Kyoto Protocol implies.”30API: U.S. oil industry recognizes climate change risk,” Oil & Gas Journal, November 2, 1998. Archived March 25, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

He said, the protocol would “waste society’s scarce resources and divert them from actions that would be far more beneficial.”31API: U.S. oil industry recognizes climate change risk,” Oil & Gas Journal, November 2, 1998. Archived March 25, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

1997

ThinkProgress reports that two years after the IPCC had declared that a “balance of evidence suggests a discernible human influence on global climate,” and nations gathered in Kyoto, Japan, O’Keefe was among the dissenters:32 Joe Romm. “The A.P. Slams U.S. Deniers in 2,000-Word Essay: ‘The American ‘Allergy’ to Global Warming: Why?‘,” ThinkProgress, September 28, 2011. Archived March 25, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/nmsfT

“The statement that we’ll have continued warming with an increase in CO2 is opinion, not fact,” O’Keefe told reporters in Kyoto.33 Joe Romm. “The A.P. Slams U.S. Deniers in 2,000-Word Essay: ‘The American ‘Allergy’ to Global Warming: Why?‘,” ThinkProgress, September 28, 2011. Archived March 25, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/nmsfT

June 28, 1996

According to research documents from Ozone Action, O’Keefe stated that we should wait to take action on climate change:34 “GCC About All,” Retrieved from DocumentCloud. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. 35 Kelly Sims. “Gone Completely Crazy,” Ozone Action. Retrieved from DocumentCloud. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

“We could wait 20 to 25 years to take action until scientific uncertainty is lessened.”36 “GCC About All,” Retrieved from DocumentCloud. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. 37 Kelly Sims. “Gone Completely Crazy,” Ozone Action. Retrieved from DocumentCloud. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

Key Deeds

June 6, 2017

Writing at InsideSources, a news site describing itself as an alternative to “conventional wisdom,” O’Keefe cites a free-market and industry-funded think tanks to claim that renewable energy like wind and solar energy “survive only because of subsidies.”38 Wiliam O’Keefe. “Energy’s Unintended Experiment,” InsideSources, June 6, 2017. Archived June 27, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/E75eH 39About InsideSources,” InsideSources. Archived June 27, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/92fDI

He quotes the American Enterprise Institute’s (AE) Benjamin Zycher who said that solar power “is not cost-competitive with conventional electricity, and cannot survive without massive subsidies.” Notably, AEI is one of the most heavily-funded climate change denial organizations. In addition to over $3 million in funding from ExxonMobil, AEI has received over millions of dollars from the secretive donor groups DonorsTrust and Donors Capital Fund.40 Wiliam O’Keefe. “Energy’s Unintended Experiment,” InsideSources, June 6, 2017. Archived June 27, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/E75eH

The other group cited by O’Keefe include the Global Warming Policy Forum (a subsidiary of the Global Warming Policy Foundation), which advocated for methane as an alternative fuel.41 Wiliam O’Keefe. “Energy’s Unintended Experiment,” InsideSources, June 6, 2017. Archived June 27, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/E75eH

January 7, 2017

Writing at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, William O’Keefe voiced his support of President Donald Trump‘s choice of Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State.42William O’Keefe: Rex Tillerson brings substance to the State Department,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, January 7, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Nx6Tg

“The facts that Mr. Tillerson has led ExxonMobil and been successful in negotiating with Vladimir Putin are being used by some to suggest that he should not be confirmed when, in fact, those facts are strong reasons for confirmation,” O’Keefe wrote.43William O’Keefe: Rex Tillerson brings substance to the State Department,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, January 7, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Nx6Tg

“Mr. Tillerson would bring that integrity to the task of being secretary of state, and his management and global track record could breathe life and efficiency into a department that is often characterized as slow-moving and ponderous.”44William O’Keefe: Rex Tillerson brings substance to the State Department,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, January 7, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Nx6Tg

May 25, 2017

O’Keefe claimed that the signing of the Paris agreement on climate change “ has focused too much attention on how individual countries will meet their obligations,” writing at The Hill. According to O’Keefe, “energy poverty” is the real problem, and what he contends is a “continued debate” on climate science is a distraction:45 William O’Keefe. “A focus on climate change ignores energy poverty,” The Hill, May 25, 2016. Archived March 26, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/YEk1b

“The continued debate over carbon dioxide emissions and whether climate science is settled diverts attention and resources from addressing the serious energy poverty problem that we know how to solve: getting adequate and affordable energy to the world’s least well-off and helping them improve their standard of living,” he concluded.46 William O’Keefe. “A focus on climate change ignores energy poverty,” The Hill, May 25, 2016. Archived March 26, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/YEk1b

January 15, 2016

Climate scientist Michael Mann re-posted an email open letter that was sent by John Droz of the American Tradition Institute (now E&E Legal) and forwarded by Will Happer of the CO2 Coalition. Mann writes on Facebook that the letter “reads like a who’s who of climate change contrarianism, with many of the most notorious industry-funded climate change deniers listed.” William O’Keefe is listed among the initial signatories of the letter, which supports Lamar Smith‘s probe of climate change scientists.47Several colleagues have notified me of the following email […],” Michael E. Mann via Facebook, January 19, 2016. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

December, 2015

In an undercover investigation by Greenpeace UK, investigators posed as representatives for a (fictional) Middle Eastern oil company seeking a report that would outline the benefits of CO2 while keeping the sources of the funding secret. In the email chain, Will Happer defers to his colleague William O’Keefe at the CO2 Coalition for advice:48Email-Chain-Happer-O-Keefe-and-Donors-Trust,” Retrieved from DocumentCloud. Contributed by Damian Kahya, Greenpeace. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

“I am trying get [sic] another mysterious client to donate funds to the CO2 Coalition instead of compensating me for my writing something for them,” Happer wrote to O’Keefe.

O’Keefe suggested funnelling funding through Donors Trust, a secretive group that has been described as the “dark money ATM” of the conservative movement in the US.49 Andy Kroll. “Exposed: The Dark-Money ATM of the Conservative Movement,” Mother Jones, February 5, 2013. Archived July 24, 2015.

“We are under no obligation to identify donors, except to the IRS but I think that is just organizations,” O’Keefe responded in an email. “When people ask the IRS or a firms 990, the donor list is redacted. If the person participates in the Donors Trust, he/she can make the notation through that and have complete confidentiality.”50 Andy Kroll. “Exposed: The Dark-Money ATM of the Conservative Movement,” Mother Jones, February 5, 2013. Archived July 24, 2015.

April 1, 2015

After the George C. Marshall Institute received a letter, along with 99 other organizations and corporations, from Senators Edward Markey (D-MA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) , O’Keefe responded with an official letter to the Senators on behalf of the George C. Marshall Institute.51 William O’Keefe. “Response of William O’Keefe to Senators Markey, Boxer and Whitehouse on Institute Climate Research,” George C. Marshall Institute, April 1, 2015. Archived March 24, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/uQ0Q6

He wrote that it was “clear that the Institute’s views have been consistent, scientifically based, and independent of funding sources.” In the letter, he also claims that “[climate] models remain a poor substitute for empirical evidence and the testing of hypothesis by rigorous adherence to the scientific process. We do not reject the reality of global warming and climate change, but do reject the hypotheses that increases in CO2 have and are having a detrimental impact. Indeed, CO2 is a nutrient, not a pollutant.”52 “Dear Senators Markey, Boxer, and Whitehouse” (PDF), George C. Marshall Institute, April 1, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

June 16, 2010

Writing at the “Planet Panel” at The Washington Post, O’Keefe responded to the question “Should EPA keep pressing ahead with new greenhouse gas rules, or should it accept Congress will shape the future of any mandatory limits on carbon dioxide?”53 William O’Keefe. “Energy policy is beyond EPA’s mission,” The Washington Post, June 16, 2010. Archived March 26, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/aq8ck

“Climate policy is energy policy and that is beyond EPA’s mission and competence.54 William O’Keefe. “Energy policy is beyond EPA’s mission,” The Washington Post, June 16, 2010. Archived March 26, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/aq8ck

“Government agencies have a hard enough time with their assigned missions without attempting to perform ones that are beyond their expertise and competence.55 William O’Keefe. “Energy policy is beyond EPA’s mission,” The Washington Post, June 16, 2010. Archived March 26, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/aq8ck

“EPA knows, as does Congress, that the Clean Air Act was never intended to cover regulation of CO2. […]”56 William O’Keefe. “Energy policy is beyond EPA’s mission,” The Washington Post, June 16, 2010. Archived March 26, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/aq8ck

September 30, 2005

Speaking at the Annual Meeting Of The Society Of Environmental Journalists, O’Keefe declared:57 “Climate Policy: A Reality Check” (PDF), George C. Marshall Insitute Policy Outlook (September, 2005). Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

“For almost two decades, the climate debate has been dominated by advocates and environmental ministries, primarily those from the European Union. They used the image of a distant environmental apocalypse caused by human activity to fashion an unsustainable and unachievable treaty and to demonize any one who questioned their orthodoxy. That orthodoxy holds that climate science is settled, that humans are the major cause of warming in recent decades, and that there is only one way to avoid a climate-induced apocalypse later this century. That one way is to drastically reduce green- house gas emissions to levels 60% below 1990 levels by 2050. That orthodoxy is not built on observation, measurement, validation, and objective analyses, which are the bases of scientific information and sound policy.”58 “Climate Policy: A Reality Check” (PDF), George C. Marshall Insitute Policy Outlook (September, 2005). Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

Talking about climate models, he describes them as “ instruments of mischief,” that have “not been validated.”59 “Climate Policy: A Reality Check” (PDF), George C. Marshall Insitute Policy Outlook (September, 2005). Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

In his conclusion, he suggests climate change skepticism should be looked upon more favorably by journalists. “Healthy skepticism makes good journalism and is recognized as a virtue. In the climate debate, unfortunately, it has been treated as a vice. It should not be,” he said.60 “Climate Policy: A Reality Check” (PDF), George C. Marshall Insitute Policy Outlook (September, 2005). Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

February 10, 2005

William O’Keefe was a panelist at a CEI event titled “The Kyoto Protocol and Beyond: A Roundtable Discussion on the Future of International and U. S. Climate Policy” that examined what Kyoto would mean for future climate policy in the U.S.61The Kyoto Protocol and Beyond: A Roundtable Discussion on the Future of International and U. S. Climate Policy,” CEI Events and Appearances. Archived April 26, 2006. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/wfPMu

June 3, 2004

In his capacity as President of the Marshall Institute, O’Keefe made remarks at the EPA Science Forum in 2004. In his concluding statements, he advocates for adaptation as opposed to prevention when it comes to climate change:62The Challenge of Making Climate Science Policy Relevant,” George C. Marshall Institute Policy Outlook (June, 2004). Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

“Until we have better information and analytical capabilities, a higher premium also should be placed on adaptation planning,” O’Keefe wrote. “Nothing we do in the short run is going to
change the atmospheric concentration profile over the next few decades.”63The Challenge of Making Climate Science Policy Relevant,” George C. Marshall Institute Policy Outlook (June, 2004). Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

He also focuses on the supposed uncertainty regarding man’s role in climate change as a reason to postpone climate action:64The Challenge of Making Climate Science Policy Relevant,” George C. Marshall Institute Policy Outlook (June, 2004). Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

“It should be self evident that until we better understand natural variability, feedbacks, climate sensitivity, cloud formation, water vapor, solar variability, and ocean currents, we cannot adequately understand the extent of human influence or the appropriate actions to mitigate it,” he wrote.65The Challenge of Making Climate Science Policy Relevant,” George C. Marshall Institute Policy Outlook (June, 2004). Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

January 6, 2004

Pointing to a “review” conducted by prominent climate change deniers Sallie Baliunas and Willie Soon, O’Keefe writes about the supposed “scientific uncertainty” around climate change.66 William O’Keefe. “Climate debate isn’t about action, it’s about knowledge,” George C. Marshall Institute, January 6, 2004. Archived March 5, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/FpQrh

“This is just one example of scientific uncertainty. There are many others demonstrating that the science of climate change is far from settled. Neither I nor anyone else knows whether over the course of this century the climate will be a scientific curiosity or a serious ecological threat”, he writes. “If it becomes a serious threat, today’s so-called renewable energy sources may not be the best solutions.”67 William O’Keefe. “Climate debate isn’t about action, it’s about knowledge,” George C. Marshall Institute, January 6, 2004. Archived March 5, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/FpQrh

He goes on to suggest that renewable energy sources are not a feasible solution. “The potential of a renewable-based economy may seem boundless, but it has real practical limits,” he wrote. He concludes: “Our nation should not be frightened into adopting unknown and unproven technologies until they can contribute to healthy economic growth and until we better understand the impact of human activities on our climate system.”68 William O’Keefe. “Climate debate isn’t about action, it’s about knowledge,” George C. Marshall Institute, January 6, 2004. Archived March 5, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/FpQrh

December 4, 2002

William O’Keefe promoted the Global Climate and Energy Project of Stanford University as a “a welcome collaboration between academia and the private sector that holds the promise of shedding much-needed light on the debate on global warming.”69 William O’Keefe. “A global climate and energy project,” International Herald Tribune, December 4, 2002. Retrieved from DocumentCloud collection CEQ 12 06 media6 (page 53). Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

In the article, O’Keefe also dismisses the Kyoto Protocol:70 William O’Keefe. “A global climate and energy project,” International Herald Tribune, December 4, 2002. Retrieved from DocumentCloud collection CEQ 12 06 media6 (page 53). Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

“The draconian and poorly thought out restrictions in Kyoto would stifle economic growth in the world’s most advanced nations, while allowing the full-throttle economies of emerging giants like China, India, Indonesia and Brazil to continue spewing carbon dioxide emissions at will,” he wrote. The Standford project would “seek to provide the kind of clean energy alternatives that will allow all nations to dramatically reduce man-made greenhouse gas emissions,” he adds.71 William O’Keefe. “A global climate and energy project,” International Herald Tribune, December 4, 2002. Retrieved from DocumentCloud collection CEQ 12 06 media6 (page 53). Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

The Global Climate and Energy Project’s founding sponsors included ExxonMobil, General Electric, Schlumberger, and Toyota. The four sponsors planned to invest $225 million into Stanford and other institutions working on the project.72 The Lamp Number 2 (2008 – PDF). ExxonMobil. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

April 4, 2002

O’Keefe was a guest on NPR’s “Morning Edition” discussing the IPCC, and then IPCC Chairman Robert Watson:73Ipcc,” NPR, April 4, 2002. Archived .mp3 on file at DeSmog.

According to O’Keefe, representing the George C. Marshall Institute, Watson was too quick to blame industry for global warming.74Ipcc,” NPR, April 4, 2002. Archived .mp3 on file at DeSmog.

“I believe that Bob Watson and some of his colleagues have reached a conclusion about the state of science which we don’t believe is justified.”75Ipcc,” NPR, April 4, 2002. Archived .mp3 on file at DeSmog.

The program mentioned that ExxonMobil, for whom O’Keefe was also a lobbyist at the time, also criticized Watson’s proposed regulations on industry, sending a memo to the White House the previous year asking that Watson be replaced.76Ipcc,” NPR, April 4, 2002. Archived .mp3 on file at DeSmog.

June 9, 2000

According to ExxonSecrets, Bill O’Keefe went on NBC Nightly News where he criticized the Clinton Administration’s report, “National Analysis of the Long Term Consequences of Global Warming.”77FACTSHEET: WILLIAM OKEEFE,” ExxonSecrets. Accessed March 24, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/0KjkC

“Everybody who has read the full document comes to the same conclusion. That it is a document that is designed to scare, not to enlighten, to mislead, not inform. And that’s unfortunate,” he said.78FACTSHEET: WILLIAM OKEEFE,” ExxonSecrets. Accessed March 24, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/0KjkC

December, 1997

In a report titled “Astroturf TroopersMother Jones (MJ) reported that William O’Keefe kickstarted the Global Climate Coalition (GCC) in 1996 when he hired former lobbyist Susan Moya to set up a national network of “grassroots” groups that included industry-funded groups across the states. MJ found that GCC was “ coordinating a secret coalition of extreme right-wingers and astroturf groups—fake grassroots lobbyists funded by conservative foundations and corporations.”79 Keith Hammond. “Astroturf Troopers,Mother Jones, December 4, 1997. Archived March 25, 2017. Archive. Is URL: https://archive.is/uqFvL

While Moya denied the existence of the astroturf network, an internal memo (page 1, page 2) obtained by Mother Jones suggested otherwise. Mother Jones wrote that “some of the corporate-funded astroturf groups named in her memo, including Texas Citizens for a Sound Economy and People for the West, confirmed that they were part of Moya’s network of ‘state grassroots leaders,’ and that they received this memo.”80Astroturf Memo, page 1,” Mother Jones, December 4, 1997. Archived November 1, 2005. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/eVd8Z 81Astroturf Memo, page 2,” Mother Jones, December 4, 1997. Archived November 2, 2005. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Nk3vS

Representatives named in the memo as “available for contact” included:82Astroturf Memo, page 2,” Mother Jones, December 4, 1997. Archived November 2, 2005. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Nk3vS

NameOrganization
Eric LichtAlliance for America
Diane SteedCoalition for Vehicle Choice (CVC)
Ron DeforeCoalition for Vehicle Choice (CVC)
Jeff MillerCoalition for Vehicle Choice (CVC)
Bruce VincentAlliance for America
Steve MillerThe Center for Energy & Economic Development
Susan ChristyPeople for the West
Michael CoffmanSovereignty International
Cindy MorphewTexas Oil & Gas Association
Floy LilleyUniversity of Texas @ Austin
Randy EmingerThe Center for Energy and Economic Development
Lydia RobertsonCVC-Arkansas
John FedericoCVC-Kansas
Don MorrisonCVC-Missouri
Bob LinderwoodCVC-Ohio
Pat NolanCVC-Tennessee
Chuck CushmanAmerican Land Rights Association
Senator Malcolm Wallop (former)Promises of Freedom Institute
H. Sterling BurnettNational Center for Policy Analysis
Peggy M. VenableTexas Citizens for a Sound Economy
Duggan FlanakinEnvironmental Compliance Reporter, Inc.
David R. PinkusSmall Business United of TX
Carole Keeton RylanderTexas Railroad Commission
Steve ReevesGreater Houston Partnership
Carol JonesTexas Citizens for a Sound Economy
Genie ShortTexas Citizens for a Sound Economy

November 10, 1996

The American Petroleum Institute hosted a presentation titled “Climate Change: International Economic Implications” during its 1996 Annual Meeting. William F. O’Keefe, at the time executive vice president of API and chairman of the Global Climate Coalition, was among the speakers at the session.83API Presents Session on Warming, Economic Impact,” IAC Newsletter Database. Retrieved from DocumentCloud collection api-presentation-speaker-1996.

August 4, 1996

O’Keefe wrote an article in The Houston Chronicle where he warns against any binding international agreement to combat greenhouse gas emissions.84 “Drimcgrawhill Press Kyoto 96,” Retrieved from DocumentCloud.

“This comes at a time when the scientific community remains sharply divided over the timing, extent and consequences of climate change,” he wrote.85 “Drimcgrawhill Press Kyoto 96,” Retrieved from DocumentCloud.

According to O’Keefe, “Massive energy taxes would, of course, cost millions of American jobs.”86 “Drimcgrawhill Press Kyoto 96,” Retrieved from DocumentCloud.

August 3, 1996

Responding to a July 21 editorial that had been titled “How to Cool the Earth,” O’Keefe goes on to suggest a “correction” to a number of points. Writing in a Washington Post letter to the editor:87 “’Balance’ on Greenhouse Gases” (PDF), The Washington Post, August 3, 1996. Retrieved from DocumentCloud.

”[…] current climate science does not warrant mandatory limits on fossil fuels,” O’Keefe wrote. “neither the global environment nor our economic well-being is served by near-term attempts to limit U.S. greenhouse-gas emissions.”88 “’Balance’ on Greenhouse Gases” (PDF), The Washington Post, August 3, 1996. Retrieved from DocumentCloud.

August 15, 1995

William O’Keefe gave a speech where he claimed that it was “time for a reality check” on global warming policies.89 “Time for a reality check: global climate change policies; American Petroleum Institute Executive Vice President William F. O’Keefe speech; Transcript,” City News Publishing Company Inc. and Information Access Company. Retrieved from DocumentCloud collection “alan-manne-op-eds-1.”

“I intend to be provocative and to challenge what is portrayed as the prevailing wisdom, not to discount the potential of future climate change or the possibility of serious consequences, but to challenge, the current public policy process,” the transcript begins.90 “Time for a reality check: global climate change policies; American Petroleum Institute Executive Vice President William F. O’Keefe speech; Transcript,” City News Publishing Company Inc. and Information Access Company. Retrieved from DocumentCloud collection “alan-manne-op-eds-1.”

“That process is in fact not consistent with the view that mankind is confronted with a potential catastrophe. Instead, global warming appears to be yet another example of predicting catastrophe to reshape political decisions and economic outcomes. This is an overused strategy.”91 “Time for a reality check: global climate change policies; American Petroleum Institute Executive Vice President William F. O’Keefe speech; Transcript,” City News Publishing Company Inc. and Information Access Company. Retrieved from DocumentCloud collection “alan-manne-op-eds-1.”

O’Keefe notes that he had been in contact with prominent climate change denier Richard Lindzen. He noted that “Dr. Richard Lindzen of MIT recently sent me a paper that compared global warming to the debate over heredity, eugenics and immigration laws in the 1920s.”92 “Time for a reality check: global climate change policies; American Petroleum Institute Executive Vice President William F. O’Keefe speech; Transcript,” City News Publishing Company Inc. and Information Access Company. Retrieved from DocumentCloud collection “alan-manne-op-eds-1.”

“Global warming may turn out to be a reality but right now there also are enough reasons to conclude that what is masquerading as the most serious of environmental threats may be just another hobgoblin being used to advance agendas that can’t survive on their own merits,” O’Keefe said. “I want to be absolutely clear that I am not asserting that the global warming threat is a hoax. I am challenging the process — the way it is being addressed,” he clarifies. “Instead of rational debate, what we have is advocacy driven by pseudo-science and hyped by the media.”93 “Time for a reality check: global climate change policies; American Petroleum Institute Executive Vice President William F. O’Keefe speech; Transcript,” City News Publishing Company Inc. and Information Access Company. Retrieved from DocumentCloud collection “alan-manne-op-eds-1.”

O’Keefe goes on to what he describes as “scientific realities”:94 “Time for a reality check: global climate change policies; American Petroleum Institute Executive Vice President William F. O’Keefe speech; Transcript,” City News Publishing Company Inc. and Information Access Company. Retrieved from DocumentCloud collection “alan-manne-op-eds-1.”

“Those who advocate deep emission reductions contend that a scientific consensus exists and that man-made emissions of greenhouse gases will lead to a dangerous level of global warming. That’s simply wrong.”95 “Time for a reality check: global climate change policies; American Petroleum Institute Executive Vice President William F. O’Keefe speech; Transcript,” City News Publishing Company Inc. and Information Access Company. Retrieved from DocumentCloud collection “alan-manne-op-eds-1.”

In his conclusion, he suggests that limiting emissions right away would lead to a “full-scale depression”:96 “Time for a reality check: global climate change policies; American Petroleum Institute Executive Vice President William F. O’Keefe speech; Transcript,” City News Publishing Company Inc. and Information Access Company. Retrieved from DocumentCloud collection “alan-manne-op-eds-1.”

“First, the cost of mitigation is a function of time. Reducing emissions over a longer time period will be far less harmful to our economic well-being than forcing rapid reductions. I have no doubt that if we tried to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent over the next few years we would bring on a full-scale depression.”97 “Time for a reality check: global climate change policies; American Petroleum Institute Executive Vice President William F. O’Keefe speech; Transcript,” City News Publishing Company Inc. and Information Access Company. Retrieved from DocumentCloud collection “alan-manne-op-eds-1.”

Affiliations

Social Media

Publications

William O’Keefe has published over 300 articles at the George C. Marshall Institute, approximately 50 of which reference “climate” or “climate change”. View the attached spreadsheet for a complete list of William O’Keef’s publications at the Marshall Institute (.xlsx), sortable by keyword.111William O’Keefe’s Articles,” George C. Marshall Institute. Archived March 24, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/XYVQW

Greenpeace/ Polluterwatch Research Documents

The following documents are from Greenpeace’s research archives for William O’Keefe at Polluterwatch. They are available on DocumentCloud:

Other Resources

Resources

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