One common issue that the Green movement and LGBT folks have in common is outright discrimination and disregard by the oil giant ExxonMobile.
I am assured by a friend with HRC that Exxon is still earning a 0 rating in thier ranking of employers. The Human Rights Campaign, which evaluates employers for LGBT-friendly workplace practices and policies says about ExxonMobile:
"ExxonMobil is the only U.S. employer that has ever rescinded both a non-discrimination policy covering sexual orientation and domestic partner benefits, and is the only Fortune 10 company that does not have a non-discrimination policy covering sexual orientation.
Mobil Corp. had written non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation that were revoked upon its merger with Exxon Corp in 1999. Mobil also provided domestic partner health benefits to its employees; enrollment in partner benefits ended after the merger with Exxon in 1999."
That assessment has me hitting the brakes when it's time to refuel. HRC also points out that BP, Chevron, Shell and ConocoPhillips all prohibit discrimination and offer Domestic Partnership benefits, and BP, Chevron and Shell also prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity. So long Exxon, I am driving across the street to BP, Chevron or Shell, whenever possible.
Eco folk have also long had big issues with resistant Exxon as well, even as many other Fortune 500 companies have moved to support renewable energy and a clean tech economy. Green groups like the Environmental Defense Fund are increasingly willing to work with corporate climate change agents.
ExxonMobile, to the contrary, has fought moving off the carbon economy with vigor. In particular, according to Greenpeace, Exxon continues to fund-and has spent over $22 million-supporting so-called "climate skeptics" through a complex of intermediary organizations, think tanks, and politicians. Greenpeace maintains an active watch on this global warming denial via the"Exxon Secrets" project. Their report is here. Says Greenpeace:
"ExxonSecrets is a Greenpeace research project highlighting the more than a decade-long campaign by Exxon-funded front groups - and the scientists they work with - to deny the urgency of the scientific consensus on global warming and delay action to fix the problem. For more information see our FAQ.
The database compiles Exxon Foundation and corporate funding to a series of institutions who have worked to undermine solutions to global warming and climate change. It details the working relationships of individuals associated with these organizations and their global warming quotes and deeds."
Discrimination against far flung small towns with little clout is in the ExxonMobile portfolio of shame as well. Some folks remember the Exxon Valdez oil disaster near Prince William Sound, Alaska, but most of us have forgotten it or would like to. It seems this is by design, as Exxon fought reparations to the town and the environment. A documentary tells that chilling story. Check out the BBC film Oil Spill: The Exxon Valdez Disaster for a refresher course on just how calculating, irresponsible, and disdainful the Exxon corporation has been over the years.
As we convert to a clean tech economy, most of us still need oil and gasoline to fuel even the coolest of hybrids. If we LGBT consumers take our business to Greener, non-discriminating companies in our daily purchases, the clicking shut of the pink purse will be heard in boardrooms and on Wall Street. Maybe even insular Exxon might give it's priorities a second look.
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