_API_PUBL_7102-1997.pdf

STD API/PETRO PUBL 7102-ENGL 1997 0732290 0b01600 8T5Strategies for TodaysEnvironmenta!PartnersbipOne of the most significant long-term trends affecting the future vitality of the petroleumindustry is the publics concerns about the environmont,health and safety.Recognizing thistrend,API member companies have developed a positive,forward-looking strategy calledSTEP:Strategies for Todays Environmental Partnership.This initiative aims to build under-standing and credibility with stakeholders by continually improving our industrys envi-ronmental,health and safety performance:documenting performance;and communicatingwith the public.API ENVIRONMENTAL,HEALTH AND SAFETY MISSION ANDGUIDING PRINCIPLES.The members of the American Petroleum.Institute are dedicated to continuous efforts toimprove the compatibility of our operations with the environment while economically devel-oping energy resources and supplying high quality products and services to consumers.Werecognize our responsibility to work with the public,the government,and others to developand to use natural resources in an environmentally sound manner while protecting the healthand safety of our employees and the public.To meet these responsibilities,API memberspledge to manage our businesses according to the following principles using sound scienceto prioritize risks and to implement cost-effective management practices:To recognize and to respond to community concerns about our raw materials,prod-ucts and operations.To operate.our plants and facilities,and to handle our raw materials and products in amanner that protects the environment,and the safety and health of our employees andthe public.To make safety;health and environmental consider-ations a priority in our planning,and our develop-ment of new products and processes.To advise promptly,appropriate officials,employ-ees,customers and the public of.information on significant industry-related safety,health and environmental hazards,and to recommend protective measures.To counsel customers,transporters and others in the safe use,transportation and dis-posal of our raw materials,products and waste materials.To economically develop and produce natural re-sources and to conserve thoseresources by using energy efficiently.To extend knowledge by conducting or supporting research on the safety,health andenvironmenta effects of our raw materials,products,processes and waste materials.To commit to reduce overall emission and waste generation.To work with others to resolve problems created by handling and disposal of hazardoussubstances from our operations.To participate with government and others in creating responsible laws,regulationsand standards to safeguard the community,workplace and environment.To promote these principles and practices by sharing experiences and offering assis-tance to others who produce,handle,use,transport or dispose of similar raw materi-als,petroleum products and wastes.