All Posts from September, 2010
Industry and government officials discuss oil spill response capabilities
The U.S. Departments of Interior and Energy co-hosted a forum last week on deepwater blowout containment, and our chairman and CEO, Rex Tillerson, spoke at the event with other government and industry representatives. It was a welcome opportunity to reflect on the response to the tragic Deepwater Horizon accident and spill and clear up some public misperceptions.
Understanding the importance of Canadian energy
Last week, ExxonMobil Senior Vice President Andrew Swiger spoke in Montreal at the World Energy Congress on “policies needed for the oil sector to continue development of new resources in a safe and sustainable way.” Andy’s comments focused on oil sands development and the significance of Canadian energy in meeting future demand. Canadian oil sands already contribute significantly to a secure North American energy supply, and they will become even more important in the future.
A meeting of the minds
You may have read discouraging reports about declining performance among U.S. students in math and science, and the trouble it spells for America’s economic future. Today, however, I’m pleased to report another step for a growing movement to reverse this trend and get more students back on the path to excellence in these critical areas of learning. I’m talking about the launch of Change the Equation, a new initiative announced today at the White House by President Obama.
Correction: American oil and gas companies DO pay higher tax rates than most other corporations
Congress is back at work this week, and the Senate has already taken up the issue of raising taxes on the oil and gas industry. This time, the Senate got it right by rejecting Senator Bill Nelson’s amendment to the Small Business Bill. Part of the amendment would have eliminated a manufacturing and production tax provision – but only for the five major integrated oil and natural gas companies. Regular readers of Perspectives have heard me talk about tax issues throughout the summer. That’s because there are widespread misconceptions about the taxes we pay as U.S. oil and gas companies, as well as the tax provisions for which we qualify.
A structure for safety
As the discussion about the Deepwater Horizon tragedy turns from immediate response to long-term solutions, many Americans are asking how we can continue to develop the oil and natural gas we all need while ensuring the safety of people, communities and the environment. It’s an important discussion, and it goes to the heart of the oil and gas industry’s role in our economy and society.
What does it mean to be green?
As policymakers and the public discuss ways to help stimulate our economy, the effort to create green jobs has been getting a lot of attention. But what exactly does it mean to be green? The government has been trying to create a definition that will guide funding for green jobs, but this is still up for debate.
