Public Policy Advocacy

American families and businesses face significant risk and opportunity associated with policy decisions made at all level of government. As our elected and appointed leaders consider issues such as energy supply, production, and environmental stewardship, it is incumbent upon industry leaders to constructively engage in these policy debates in a variety of ways.

The Tesoro Board of Directors Governance Committee oversees political contributions and receives a semi-annual report on Tesoro’s political contributions.

Tesoro makes financial contributions to political candidates in those states whose laws permit contributions from corporations. To date, during the 2011-2012 election cycle, Tesoro has made corporate contributions totaling $26,785.00 to 23 candidates.  In so making these contributions, Tesoro complies with all applicable reporting requirements imposed at the state or local levels. A report listing corporate political contributions can be found at the following link:

Tesoro Corporation Contributions 1/1/2011 – 12/31/2011

Tesoro engages in domestic lobbying at the federal and state level to advocate our positions on issues that impact our company and the energy industry. Tesoro also provides support to a variety of trade associations, including the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association and the Western States Petroleum Association, to promote sound public policy on matters important to Tesoro’s interests. Some of the support provided to these organizations may be used for lobbying; however, the named associations do not use member dues to support candidates or voter initiatives. Tesoro inquires and makes reasonable effort to obtain from the organizations what portion of Tesoro’s dues was used for lobbying expenditures, which are non-deductable under Internal Revenue Code.  As required by federal or state law, Tesoro regularly reports that portion of all trade association dues attributable to lobbying activities to the appropriate designated entities.