Exxon Mobil Repeats Stance on Emissions

Rex W. Tillerson, chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil, makes a point during a news conference after the shareholders meeting in Dallas, Wednesday, May 30, 2007. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (Lm Otero - AP)

"There's an eerie feeling of deja vu in the air," Viederman said.

Viederman even questioned the accuracy of Exxon Mobil's slogan _ "Taking on the world's toughest energy challenges" _ saying there was little evidence of commitment to any type of energy beyond oil and gas.

Exxon Mobil representatives say they're still studying whether proposals such as mandatory emissions caps _ which ConocoPhillips, BP and Shell have endorsed _ or a tax on carbon emissions are the way to combat global warming via public policy.

Ken Cohen, the company's vice president for public affairs, said any such policy would need to ensure a uniform and predictable cost of reducing carbon dioxide, promote global participation and adjust to new developments in climate science.

"What we're trying to do is make sure, as policy options are being developed and analyzed, that all of them are on the table and given a full and fair hearing," Cohen said.

On the topic of record gas prices, Exxon Mobil issued a news release offering several reasons for the recent spike. Among them, growing global demand _ which it cites as the biggest factor _ refinery upkeep that reduces the availability of imports, and instability in many oil-producing countries.

Exxon Mobil says its gasoline production this year is higher than last, "despite the costs associated with complying with government clean-air and clean-fuel regulations."

Shares of Exxon Mobil rose $1.38, or 1.7 percent, to $84 Wednesday. That's near the 52-week high of $84.32.