SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- A coalition of environmental groups is calling for a nationwide boycott of Exxon Mobil Corp. gas stations, reported KSBY-TV. The Exxpose Exxon boycott campaign was launched on Tuesday in 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Outside an Exxon station in Santa Barbara, Calif., a half-dozen protesters attempted to convince drivers on empty to find another place to fill up, said the report. The protest is part of a national effort by a coalition of environmental groups to boycott ExxonMobil.
The groups accuse [image-nocss] the oil company of ignoring the threat of global warming, seeking to drill in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and not investing in alternative energies, among other complaints.
The owner of the Exxon station said it is not the major oil company that these protesters are hurting. What is concerning me here is that they are hurting my business, owner Amjad Alfar told the news outlet. They aren't going to hurt ExxonMobil directly.
Click here to view the environmental coalition's press release and the list of member organizations.
ExxonMobil has posted a response to the boycott and the specific complaints on its website.
Concerning ANWR, it said: ExxonMobilsupports environmentally responsible development within the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).We believe that with more than 30 years of industry experience on Alaska's North Slope and with recent technological advancements, ANWR can be developed with little threat to the ecology of the Coastal Plain. Since energy sources are critically important to energy security and to support U.S. economic growth, development of this area could contribute to domestic oil production and to a reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil for many years.
Regarding global warming, it said: ExxonMobil recognizes the risk of climate change and its potential impact on societies and ecosystems, and we continue to take actions and work with others to address that risk. Our actions include investments and strategic planning that address emissions today, as well as industry-leading research on technologies with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the future. ExxonMobil is a leader in the private sector when it comes to funding climate research programs at top research institutions.
Concerning investment in clean' energy solutions, ExxonMobil said: Within our own business, we have been deeply involved in the development of clean fuels processing technology and work extensively with vehicle manufacturers on advanced engine and fuel systems that can increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. We are researching novel hydrogen production technology that could be used in a variety of applications, large and small. In 2002, we announced an investment of $100 million over 10 years in Stanford University's Global Climate & Energy Project. the largest ever investment in independent climate and energy research.
To view the full text of ExxonMobil's response, click here.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.