ExxonMobil: Request for Report on Methane Leaks
WHEREAS: Methane emissions contribute significantly to climate change, with an impact of roughly 87 times that of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Methane emissions and leaks from the oil and gas sector could erase the climate benefits of burning oil or gas instead of coal. Methane emissions can occur from venting, flaring, and leaking throughout oil and gas operations. A recent study indicates methane emissions from the oil and gas sector are 20 to 60 percent higher than previously thought. (Nature, October 2016).
The International Energy Agency has identified minimizing methane emissions from upstream oil and gas production as one of four key global greenhouse gas mitigation opportunities to keep the world below a 2° Celsius temperature increase. (WEO Special Report 2013). In the United States, the oil and gas industry was responsible for a third of all methane emitted in 2014.
Cost effective technological solutions exist and can be deployed immediately to substantially reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas industries. (ICF International). A small number of “super-emitter” leaks may produce a disproportionately large portion of emissions. With advances in infrared, drone, and leak detection technology, it is well within the ability of companies to find and dramatically reduce their methane leaks.
A 2016 study found Exxon was the second highest methane emitter from onshore production in 2014. (Center for American Progress). Despite the scale of its emissions, Exxon fails to provide investors with sufficient information on its methane emissions and leak detection and repair program to enable them to assess the company’s methane risk. In the 2016 edition of “Disclosing the Facts”, an investor oriented assessment ranking companies on hydraulic fracturing reporting practices, Exxon scored zero points on methane leak detection and repair-related questions.
Given the intense and growing public scrutiny of methane emissions, Exxon must demonstrate to investors that it is taking action to reduce its methane risk. Disclosure of specific management practices and their impacts, especially with respect to leak detection, is the primary means by which investors can assess how it is managing this important risk.
While Exxon provides generalized information on its worldwide hydraulic fracturing policies, including broad statements about methane reduction, Exxon does not provide performance information needed to allow investors to assess Exxon’s methane leak detection and repair practices based on objective, quantitative analyses comparable to other companies in the sector.
RESOLVED:
Shareholders request that Exxon report annually to shareholders (at reasonable cost, omitting proprietary information) and using quantitative indicators, the company’s actions beyond regulatory requirements to minimize methane emissions, particularly leakage, from the company’s hydraulic fracturing operations.
Supporting Statement: Proponents request the report include,
- the scope of its leak detection programs, including specific areas and proportion of facilities assessed;
- methodologies used to detect leaks in those areas;
- the frequency at which those areas and operations are monitored and leaks repaired;
- methane emission rates from drilling, completion, and production operations; and
- methane emissions reduction targets
Resolution Details
Company:
ExxonMobil
Lead Filer:
As You Sow
Year: 2017
Filing Date:
December 2016
Initiative(s): Methane
Status: 38.7%
Memo