Political Action Committee
Western Energy Alliance Political Action Committee (PAC) is a non-partisan, multi-candidate federal PAC that supports candidates for federal office who value environmentally responsible exploration and production of oil and natural gas in the West. Our PAC strives to educate candidates on the best ways to ensure abundant, affordable energy and a high quality of life for all.
Western Energy Alliance works with PAC recipients to initiate meaningful change by expanding access to reliable energy while fighting overregulation and other detrimental policies. Western Energy Alliance PAC goals include:
- Maintaining strong relations with the western delegation and caucus as well as key committee members
- Advancing legislation that encourages domestic energy development
- Building relationships with moderates on both sides of the aisle
- Opposing incumbents and candidates who are hostile to our industry.
Thank you for considering a contribution at any level to the PAC. Those of $1,000 or more, up to the maximum of $5,000, earn a seat on the PAC Steering Committee which sets the direction of the PAC and determines which politicians and candidates to support.
Contributions to the Western Energy Alliance PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Corporate funds are not allowed – only personal, LLC or LLP funds. Contributions are voluntary and will be used for political purposes. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and employer name for individuals whose contributions exceed $200 per calendar year. Contributions from foreign nationals are prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.