- Published: April 2026
Overview:
Oil and Water Liaison Group
The Oil & Water Liaison Group is an unincorporated body and working group of the Energy Institute which acts as a forum for the exchange of information between trade associations, non-governmental organisations and the regulators of the four nations with the aim to prevent, mitigate and control pollution caused by oil-based products.
Terms of Reference
The Liaison Group is constituted to:
- Exchange information between the regulators and the oil industry on developments relating to the oil and liquid biofuels pollution of surface and ground waters, and the prevention and remediation of such pollution.
- In addition to the usual round-the-table updates - where each member shares a high-level overview relevant to the OWLG Terms of Reference - the Liaison Group meetings will also include standing agenda items. These may feature in-depth knowledge sharing or deep dives, with one member presenting per meeting.
- Discuss pollution control initiatives, proposed regulations, research or consultancy proposals, technical guidance, incident statistics, and publicity campaigns related to liquid fuels - including hydrocarbons, new oil, and liquid biofuels. Consider how the fuel mix is expected to evolve, and ensure these discussions are brought to the attention of relevant organisations.
- Draw attention to priorities, and to facilitate constructive comment and contributions from the member organisations in respect of oil and liquid biofuels pollution of surface and ground water matters, including the opportunity to comment collaboratively on third party documents.
Group Composition
- Chairs of the group will be industry members and will be discussed, with the option for different members to become the chair (as part of succession planning).
- The Chair of the Group from September 2025 will be UKLA.
- The Liaison Group will include representatives from UK regulators, policymakers, trade associations, NGOs, and technical associations.
Current Members
- The Environment Agency, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Northern Ireland.
- Barton Petroleum, British Safety Industry Federation, OFTEC, OHES Environmental, Petrol Retailers Association, Tank Storage Association, UK and Ireland Spill Association, UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association, Fuels Industry UK, and the United Kingdom Lubricants Association.
Members will have the authority of the organisation they represent to:
- undertake responsibility for work items,
- comment on documents in preparation and those to be circulated for public comment.
The Liaison Group will review its membership from time to time. OWLG members can invite other stakeholders to participate in meetings where necessary.
The remit of the group will remain UK specific, focusing on domestic and industrial aspects.
Two to three meetings will take place a year, with one in-person meeting hosted at the Energy Institute, in London (with a hybrid option for those members who are not able to travel).
For more information of if you are interested in joining the group then please email [email protected] and [email protected].
