Marathon Petroleum
What do our scores mean?
The organizational score represents the degree to which the organization influencing climate policy and legislation. Corporations also have relationship scores reflecting their links with influencers like trade associations. Both are combined to place the corporation in a performance band. Full details can be found here.
Engagement Intensity
The engagement intensity (EI) is a metric of the extent to which the company is engaging on climate change policy matters, whether positively or negatively. It is a number from 0 (no engagement at all) to 100 (full engagement on all queries/data points). Clearly energy companies are more affected by climate regulations and will have a higher EI than, for example retailers. So an organization’s score should be looked at in conjunction with this metric to gauge the amount of evidence we are using in each case as a basis for scoring. On our scale, an EI of more than 35 indicates a relatively large amount of climate policy engagement.
Relationship Score, December 2020
A new batch of industry associations has been uploaded onto the InfluenceMap system and the relationship scores recalculated accordingly.
Updated terminology, February 2021
We adjusted the terminology used to describe the queries running down the left-hand side of our scoring matrix and added additional explanatory text to the info-boxes. This has no impact on the scores and methodology. It has been done following user feedback to improve clarity.
- Details of Organization Score
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What do the 0,1,2 and NSs, NAs mean?
Each cell in the organization's matrix presents a chance for us to assess each data source against our column of climate change policy queries. We score from -2 to 2, with negative scores representing evidence of obstructive influence. "NA" means "not applicable" and "NS" means "not scored" - that is we did not find any evidence either way. In both cases, the cell's weighting is re-distributed over others. Red and blue cells represent highly interesting negative or positive influence respectively. Full details can be found here.
- Details of Relationship Score
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What is the Relationship Score
A corporation, as well as its organizational score will have a relationship score. It is computed by aggregating the organizational scores of the Influencers (trade bodies etc.) it has relationships with, weighted by both the strength of these relationships and the relative importance of the Influencers towards climate change policy. Full details can be found here.
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QUERIES
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DATA SOURCES | |||||||
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Main Web Site
The main organizational Web site of the company and its direct links to major affiliates and attached documents. |
Social Media
We search other media and sites funded or controlled by the organization, such as social media (Twitter, Facebook) and direct advertising campaigns of the organization. |
CDP Responses
We assess and score responses to two questions from CDP's climate change information request (12.3 a & 12.3c) related to political influence questions (currently these are not numerically scored by the CDP process). |
Legislative Consultations
Comments from the entity being scored on governmental regulatory consultation processes, including those obtained by InfluenceMap through Freedom of Information requests. |
Media Reports
Here we search in a consistent manner (the organization name and relevant query search terms) a set of web sites of representing reputable news or data aggregations. Supported by targeted searches of proprietary databases. |
CEO Messaging
Here we search in a consistent manner (the CEO/Chairman, organization name and relevant query search terms) a set of web sites of representing reputable news or data aggregations. Supported by targeted searches of proprietary databases. |
Financial Disclosures
We search 10-K and 20-F SEC filings where available, and non US equivalents where not. . |
EU Register
Information provided by to the voluntary EU Transparency Register. |
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Communication of Climate Science
Is the organization transparent and clear about its position on climate change science? |
0
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NS | NA | NS | NS | NS |
-1
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NA |
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Alignment with IPCC on Climate Action
Is the organization supporting the science-based response to climate change as set out by the IPCC? (the IPCC) |
0
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NS | NA | NS |
-1
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NS | NS | NA |
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Supporting the Need for Regulations
To what extent does the organization express the need for regulatory intervention to resolve the climate crisis? |
-1
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NS | NA | NS | NS |
-1
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NS | NA |
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Support of UN Climate Process
Is the organization supporting the UN FCCC process on climate change? |
NS | NS | NA | NS | NS | NS | NS | NA |
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Transparency on Legislation
Is the organisation transparent about its positions on climate change legislation/policy and its activities to influence it? |
0
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NA |
-2
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NA | NA | NA | NS | NS |
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Carbon Tax
Is the organisation supporting policy and legislative measures to address climate change: carbon tax. |
NS | NS | NA | NS |
-2
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NS | NS | NA |
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Emissions Trading
Is the organisation supporting policy and legislative measures to address climate change: emissions trading. |
NS | NS | NA | NA | NS | NS | NS | NA |
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Energy and Resource Efficiency
Is the organization supporting policy and legislative measures to address climate change: energy efficiency policy, standards, and targets |
NS | NS | NA |
-2
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-2
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NS | NS | NA |
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Renewable Energy
Is the organization supporting policy and legislative measures to address climate change: Renewable energy legislation, targets, subsidies, and other policy |
-2
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NS | NA |
-1
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NS |
-1
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NS | NA |
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Energy Transition & Zero Carbon Technologies
Is the organization supporting an IPCC-aligned transition of the economy away from carbon-emitting technologies, including supporting relevant policy and legislative measures to enable this transition? |
0
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-1
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NA | NS |
-2
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-1
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NS | NA |
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GHG Emission Regulation
Is the organization supporting policy and legislative measures to address climate change: GHG emission standards and targets. Is the organization supporting policy and legislative measures to address climate change: Standards, targets, and other regulatory measures directly targeting Greenhouse Gas emissions |
-1
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NS | NA | NS |
-1
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NS | NS | NA |
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Disclosure on Relationships
Is the organization transparent about its involvement with industry associations that are influencing climate policy, including the extent to which it is aligned with these groups on climate? |
0
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NS |
-2
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NA | NA | NA | NS | NS |
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Marathon's CEO, Gary Heminger, and several other company executives chair 6 AFPM committees including: Communications, Issues, Legal and Tax Policy. (Up to date as of Jan, 2021).
Gary Heminger & Others
Open PDF file of Data Source
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Two Marathon executives are on the AFPM's Board of Directors
Raymond L. Brooks and Gregory J. Goff
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
CEO is Vice Chair of the executive committee of AFPM
Gary R Heminger
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Marathon's CEO, Gary Heminger, and several other company executives chair 6 AFPM committees including: Communications, Issues, Legal and Tax Policy. (Up to date as of Jan, 2021).
Gary Heminger & Others
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Two Marathon executives are on the AFPM's Board of Directors
Raymond L. Brooks and Gregory J. Goff
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
CEO is Vice Chair of the executive committee of AFPM
Gary R Heminger
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
A senior Marathon executive is chairman of the API's Refining Subcommittee. (Up to date as of Jan 2021).
Raymond L. Brooks
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Marathon's CEO is on the API board of directors and executive committee.
Gary Heminger
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Senior Executive of Marathon Oil is on the board of API
Lee Tillman
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
A senior Marathon executive is chairman of the API's Refining Subcommittee. (Up to date as of Jan 2021).
Raymond L. Brooks
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Marathon's CEO is on the API board of directors and executive committee.
Gary Heminger
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Senior Executive of Marathon Oil is on the board of API
Lee Tillman
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Two senior Marathon executives are members of the NPC. (Up to date as of Jan 2021).
Lee M. Tillman and Michael J. Hennigan
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
CEO of Marathon is a member of NPC
William R. Thomas
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Two senior Marathon executives are members of the NPC. (Up to date as of Jan 2021).
Lee M. Tillman and Michael J. Hennigan
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
CEO of Marathon is a member of NPC
William R. Thomas
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Marathon no longer appear to have a representative on the board at NAM but do retain a membership. (NAM, up to date as of Jan 2021).
not specified
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Senior executive is on NAM board of directors
David L. Whikehart
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Marathon no longer appear to have a representative on the board at NAM but do retain a membership. (NAM, up to date as of Jan 2021).
not specified
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Senior executive is on NAM board of directors
David L. Whikehart
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Marathon is a member of the IOGP through the API. (Up to date as of Jan, 2021).
not specified
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Marathon Oil is a Direct Member of IAOGP
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Marathon is a member of the IOGP through the API. (Up to date as of Jan, 2021).
not specified
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Marathon Oil is a Direct Member of IAOGP
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Subsidiary of Marathon Oil is an Associate Member (Up to date as of Jan, 2021).
not specified
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Subsidiary of Marathon Oil is a Direct Member
not specified
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Subsidiary of Marathon Oil is an Associate Member (Up to date as of Jan, 2021).
not specified
InfluenceMap Data Point on Corporate - Influencer Relationship
(1 = weak, 10 = strong)
InfluenceMap Comment:
Subsidiary of Marathon Oil is a Direct Member
not specified
How to Read our Relationship Score Map
In this section, we depict graphically the relationships the corporation has with trade associations, federations, advocacy groups and other third parties who may be acting on their behalf to influence climate change policy. Each of the columns above represents one relationship the corporation appears to have with such a third party. In these columns, the top, dark section represents the strength of the relationship the corporation has with the influencer. For example if a corporation's senior executive also held a key role in the trade association, we would deem this to be a strong relationship and it would be on the far left of the chart above, with the weaker ones to the right. Click on these grey shaded upper sections for details of these relationships. The middle section contains a link to the organization score details of the influencer concerned, so you can see the details of its climate change policy influence. Click on the middle sections for for details of the trade associations. The lower section contains the organization score of that influencer, the lower the more negatively it is influencing climate policy.
Climate Lobbying Overview: Marathon Petroleum is actively and negatively lobbying on climate change regulation. While its top-line messaging appears to be mixed, it is negatively engaged with climate-related regulations and does not appear to support the energy transition. Marathon Petroleum holds memberships with numerous industry associations that typically lobby negatively on US climate regulation.
Top-line Messaging on Climate Policy: Marathon appear to be mixed in its messaging on its top-line messaging on climate policy. In 2017, it suggested that that policies should consider adaptation to climate change rather than just mitigating GHG emissions. However, Marathon's 2019 sustainability reports suggests potential support for maintaining temperature rise to well below 2°C, stating that the company's own emissions reduction plans align with the Paris Agreement.
Engagement with Climate-Related Regulations: Marathon appears to be actively, negatively engaging with climate-related regulations. Marathon has been highly critical of the US renewable fuel standard (RFS) program, previously describing it as an “abomination” and a a “deeply flawed” program. In March 2019, speaking at the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers annual meeting, Marathon CEO Gary Heminger stated that the RFS should be repealed and that ‘fuel markets should be free, competitive, and responsive to consumers – not to government mandates’. An investigation by the New York Times in 2018 revealed the company to been one of the main actors in a strategic plan to roll back US vehicle fuel economy standards, including using Facebook advertising and lobbying at both the state and federal levels. In the same year, the company also financially supported a campaign to oppose a carbon tax in Washington state. In 2019, Marathon has stated that it supports the removal of subsidies for electric vehicles.
Positioning on Energy Transition: Marathon’s disclosures emphasize the role of fossil fuels in future energy mix and the company has called on the U.S. government to realize the “tremendous benefits” of exploiting natural gas and oil resources. In 2017, CEO Gary Heminger called into question the clean energy credentials of wind and solar versus fossil fuels. In 2019, he has continued to promote the “pivotal advantages” of fossil fuels that he claims would be out of reach if the objectives of anti-fossil fuel advocates are realized.
Industry Association Governance: Marathon discloses a list of its industry association memberships, but does not describe how aligned it is with these groups on their climate policy positions nor how it is engaging within their association governance structures. Marathon maintains high-level memberships to a number of major trade groups actively opposing US climate regulation, including board-level membership with the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), the American Petroleum Institute (API), and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).