Trying to reserve judgement on this nomination, but as CEO he led Exxon in directions at odds with US interests.

@gftchris said:

Here's something that surprises me - Rex Tillerson is in favour of the Paris climate deal:

http://corporate.exxonmobil.com/en/company/news-and-updates/speeches/the-value-of-partnerships-in-delivering-energy-for-the-future

Exxon has positioned itself well to thrive no matter which direction the world moves on warming. And arguably their energy sources are more secure if warming is combated.

A few years ago when oil was $100/barrel and fracking was ramping up, they made a huge move to dramatically increase their natural gas holdings. Most are domestic. Stockholders went from delighted to mad when oil and Nat gas prices both subsequently fell dramatically. But as a result they are poised to shift business to Nat Gas for reduced CO2 power generation and diesel engine conversion. Obviously they already have the retail distribution to support the conversion.

@gftchris said:

The smaller companies complied with the old regs. If you create new regs that are extremely costly for a company, the bigger guys can soak it up. As for the regs being sound, they are normally a total joke but very expensive jokes.

Example: If you are rich enough, you can just buy carbon credits and keep on doing what you were doing before.

@gftchris said:

then we don't really want that energy.

Commie bastard

@logicisforsquares said:

To be honest, if the regulations are sound themselves, not being able to comply with them should be a problem. If the only way you can make money is by disregarding environmental consequences, then we don't really want that energy.

@logicisforsquares said:

Bingo! Large energy firms will sometimes play with the idea that they back climate change regulations....because they are the only ones financially capable of staying financially sound after complying with the regulations. Government assisted monopolies.

I would also add that they know they have the right contacts to just avoid compliance altogether

@logicisforsquares said:

Bingo! Large energy firms will sometimes play with the idea that they back climate change regulations....because they are the only ones financially capable of staying financially sound after complying with the regulations. Government assisted monopolies.

Sigh. Well at least someone gets it

@clevfan4life said:

Bingo! Large energy firms will sometimes play with the idea that they back climate change regulations....because they are the only ones financially capable of staying financially sound after complying with the regulations. Government assisted monopolies.

@gftchris said:

http://corporate.exxonmobil.com/en/company/news-and-updates/speeches/the-value-of-partnerships-in-delivering-energy-for-the-future

“At ExxonMobil, we share the view that the risks of climate change are serious and warrant thoughtful action. Addressing these risks requires broad-based, practical solutions around the world.”

“Importantly, as a result of the Paris agreement, both developed and developing countries are now working together to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, while recognizing differing national responsibilities, capacities and circumstances. The best hope for the future is to enable and encourage long-term investments in both proven and new technologies, while supporting effective policies.”

@logicisforsquares said:

You think he'll have the backs of energy firms because he's head of an energy company? I can see that.

Meanwhile, how's that swamp-draining, no-special-interests government coming along?

WSS

It just means, I believe, that we will know they will be, ahead of time. something like that.

what was that old saying, "keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.." ?

Thats just one incident, the valdez, providing that easily obtainable link is as far as im willing to go to div st you of ur profound state if ignorance. You are uneducated and profoundly ignorant on almost every subject you speak for f. I could provide a link for each incident detailing the institutional failings that led to the accident. But t as i said this is as far as im willing to go, i come here assume ng the basics out of people. Im not in a childrens forum

@clevfan4life said:

Ok well its obvious you just didnt pay attention to oil spulls otherwisebyou'd have read how each time there was some preventable accident and/or a quick fix that couldnt happen becausevthey didnt have the equipment on standby that they werecrequired to have and flat out assured regulators they had ala the bp gulf spill. Im not in the habit of educating grown men like wmthey're 1st graders getting one of their first lessons on cause and effect. No interest. Educate yourself on what the rest of us already know

I don't hyperventilate over oil spills and don't think there are any glaring omissions only the fact that s*** happens. Any accident that occurs in this world from falling off a stepladder in your kitchen to driving your car in front of an 18-wheeler has some sort of safety precaution that would have prevented it.

The Exxon Valdez was blamed on what? You can look it up if you want. Then tell me if that's what caused the spill.

WSS

And yes I would expect anyone facing the federal version of a slip and fall attorney to mount a vigorous defense.

WSS

@westside-steve said:

Yes. And stupid.

Okay we hate oil companies because there have been accidents within the industry. Fair enough, should we hate the nuclear energy industry?

I realized some on the left do. I'm too lazy to look up the number of automobile deaths over the past year but I'm sure it's substantial. Does that mean that an automotive executive is unqualified?

WSS

Urtalking about companies that were shown to deliberately flaunt regulations and then fought in court to deny responsibility either in part or sometimes in whole. So ur analogy is yet again lacking. We should abs hate irresponsible mkt players. If u fuck up own it and make it right, did ur parents skip that lesson to young steven?

@gftchris said:

I can only imagine what's going through Cal's mind at the pro-russian republican government taking shape.

Well after careful consideration, he now loves it and will defend it to the death.