Partnering for good works.

• Author: Marshall, Patricia A.
• Position: Leadership in Environmental Initiatives - Special Section: Answering the Call for Leadership

The public demands nothing less than environmental excellence from the petroleum industry. At Phillips, we demand nothing less from ourselves. We know that for a company to live up to expectation, the environment must be woven into the very fabric of the organization. A commitment to the environment must be company policy, supported at the highest level of management and ranked equally in importance with safety and health. Commitment must then be backed up by a capable, well-trained work force.

Of course, the proof of environmental excellence is in performance. Policy statements and well-intentioned people count for little if there is no demonstrable proof that the environment is a company's top priority.

How do you prove environmental commitment to a public somewhat jaded by "green" claims? The most important way is by operating safely and in an environmentally responsible manner. Coming in a close second is by directing philanthropic dollars and working with others on projects that encourage environmental stewardship.

There was a time when Phillips was content to write a check to worthy organizations and then fade into the background. Supporting the good work of others is still an important part of Phillips's environmental contribution program. However, more and more the company is establishing its own environmental programs, involving its employees and bringing other organizations in as partner. Here are three examples of Phillips-developed initiatives.

Playa Lakes Joint Venture: Phillips cut its teeth on environmental partnerships when it helped create the Playa Lakes Joint Venture in 1990. Playas are small, shallow basins that dot the landscape of oil country -- the panhandle region of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico. Playas provide critical habitat for waterfowl migrating across the central flyway. However, over the years, many have been severely degraded -- primarily by agricultural practices and municipal waste handling.

The Playa Lakes Joint Venture is a five-state effort to restore a network of playas so that migrating waterfowl have adequate resting and feeding grounds. Our partners in the venture are many and varied. They include the five state wildlife agencies: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agency, Ducks Unlimited, Texas Tech University, Texas Waterfowlers Association, and the National Wildlife Federation. Each brings to the joint venture a shared commitment and a particular expertise.

Phillips will fund half the...