EnergyFactor By ExxonMobil | Pespectives has a new home

Energy and the Economy

“…an economic opportunity of a lifetime.” That’s how Mario Hernandez, president of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, describes the advances in technology that have led to a boom in oil and natural gas production in his city and the counties in south central Texas that sit atop the Eagle Ford Shale play. Hernandez’s comments are found in a new study, “Economic Impact of the Eagle Ford Shale,” produced by the Center for Community and Business Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio. If you read this study, you’ll see Hernandez is not exaggerating; the economic benefits of Eagle Ford Shale development – in terms of jobs, economic activity and revenue to state and local governments – are significant.

We’re currently having an interesting discussion in the United States — one that few would have thought possible a decade ago. Americans are talking about the recent upswing in U.S. oil and natural gas production – and how it can benefit the U.S. economy and U.S. energy security. Technology developed by the industry has opened up vast energy resources across the country, from shale gas and tight oil to deepwater oil and gas. They’re also talking about what these new supplies mean for the United States when it comes to energy trade – what we import and what we export.


Earlier today, we announced our first-quarter results, which included global earnings of $9.5 billion. This is a large number, but it’s only when you compare it to our revenues that you get a more accurate picture of our profitability relative to other industries. Our global revenues were $124 billion in the first quarter, which means ExxonMobil earned 7.6 cents for every dollar of sales.

A U.S. election season … the summer driving season … political instability in some parts of the world … and upcoming earnings results for oil companies. This is the backdrop against which consumers are hearing a lot of commentary about gasoline prices and energy policy. It can sometimes be tough to tell reality from rhetoric. So I thought I would recap a few key stats about gasoline, crude oil and the companies producing it.


You don’t have to look far these days to find news articles talking about how natural gas from shale is boosting domestic energy supplies, creating jobs and revitalizing energy-intensive U.S. industries such as manufacturing. But some recent articles also shed light on some lesser-known aspects of this shale gas “revolution” – ones that may not be as obvious, but are just as important.

In the lead up to “Tax Day,” you’ve likely already seen media reports with all kinds of facts and figures about what individuals and companies owe in taxes. ExxonMobil’s taxes are, not surprisingly, a favorite subject of debate. So I thought I would share a few facts – the ones you likely won’t see in the news.



  • Worth a deeper look...