Creation Covenant Alliance

Revealing Tens of Billions in Oil Company Payments to Governments

Tutu Alicante's fight against corruption in Equatorial Guinea highlights the stark reality of oil wealth failing the poor.
A view of social housing in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea on Nov. 16, 2022. ExxonMobil distributed $189.2 million last year to the Equatorial Guinea government. Credit: Samuel Obiang/AFP via Getty Images

Tutu Alicante recalled a tragic personal story during a recent webinar, highlighting systemic issues in Equatorial Guinea’s healthcare amid economic growth from oil. In 1996, his sister died from an untreated ectopic pregnancy due to lack of power and medical professionals at a local hospital. Years later, his father’s death mirrored the same conditions, despite the country’s economic boom following Mobil’s oil discovery.

Alicante, who leads EG Justice, a U.S. nonprofit tackling corruption in Equatorial Guinea, shared this account to underscore new securities filings’ significance. For the first time, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reports reveal payments from extractive companies to global governments, aiming to expose corruption and inequitable contracts that benefit elites without improving citizens’ lives.

The disclosures unveiled billions in corporate payments, including taxes and royalties, from ExxonMobil, Chevron, and others. Alicante emphasized the life-and-death stakes for many citizens amid this wealth disparity. Notably, Equatoguineans can now see that ExxonMobil paid their government $189.2 million last year, a small portion of the $32 billion paid globally.

The rules apply to oil, gas, and mining entities filing U.S. reports, with some companies already disclosing payments due to overseas rules. The aim is to enable civil society to compare company payments with government-reported data, raising red flags where discrepancies appear.

Aubrey Menard from Oxfam America noted striking tax payment differences across countries, highlighting potential unfair deals for the U.S., a significant Exxon and Chevron production location. Exxon, for example, paid the United Arab Emirates $5.6 billion, far more than to the U.S. federal government.

Chevron’s payments also showed similar patterns, with more funds directed to other countries compared to the U.S. Exxon and Chevron argue that different tax and royalty structures complicate direct comparisons.

Zorka Milin, of the Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency Coalition, criticized the industry’s opposition to more detailed state and local payment disclosures that could enhance transparency. Despite missing some detailed reporting elements, these disclosures can initiate important conversations about payment fairness in the U.S.

As the U.S. debates corporate tax cuts, these revelations could influence discussions, particularly around fossil fuel tax benefits. Milin highlighted the potential embarrassment for companies due to these disclosures, which they had opposed.

Simon Taylor from Global Witness stated that many corporate concessions remain predatory, unfavorable for the host states. These reports, required under an amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act, could inform future policies and reflect on the industry’s influence on regulatory processes.

Original Story at insideclimatenews.org

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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024