ExxonMobil has no plans to drill in the Arctic

In response to a shareholder resolution filed by Green Century Capital Management asking the oil company to “[assess] the benefits and drawbacks of committing to not engage in oil and gas exploration and production in the AMAP area, particularly in the Arctic Refuge,” ExxonMobil informed its shareholders that the company has no plans for new oil and gas exploration or development in the refuge. This is good news for wildlife since the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge is the calving ground of the porcupine caribou herd, important habitat for migratory birds and is sacred to the Gwich’in people.

The oil company also shared that “[ExxonMobil’s] current investment plans do not include exploration activity within the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) region,” which includes the western Arctic, the area where the Willow Project is located. The Biden administration recently announced plans for a process that could protect up to 13 millions acres of land there, including the Teshekpuk Lake area, which is also a critical habitat for caribou and other wildlife.

Since 2021, all oil companies with leases in the refuge have canceled their leases. Chevron and Hilcorp even paid $10 million to exit their lease. 

We urge Congress to end the Coastal Plain Leasing program and we urge the Biden administration to permanently protect this special place.