shell
Newsletter
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Shell’s foundation funded groups opposing climate action and LGBTQ+ rights
Shell USA's foundation gave more than $500,000 to right-wing organizations that promote climate denial, anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ agendas, including several involved in Project 2025, which aims to weaken federal agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In short:
- Shell’s foundation donated to at least 21 conservative groups opposing climate action and promoting right-wing agendas.
- Donations included significant funds to organizations linked to Project 2025, advocating for drastic changes to the U.S. government.
- The foundation claims it does not endorse any organizations and that donations are employee-driven.
Key quote:
“They’re all certainly working in the rightwing policy and propaganda space.”
— Peter Montgomery, research director at People for the American Way
Why this matters:
These donations align Shell with groups that could undermine climate policy, despite public commitments to sustainability. Such actions highlight the complex relationships between corporate philanthropy and political influence.
Related EHN coverage:
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Shell's Beaver County plant aims to overcome early challenges and improve community relations
Shell's $15 billion petrochemical plant in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, is working to stabilize operations after a rocky start, characterized by equipment malfunctions and emissions issues, while seeking to rebuild community trust.
In short:
- Shell's Beaver County plant faced significant challenges, including equipment malfunctions and emissions exceeding permit limits, since beginning partial operations in 2022.
- Senior Vice President Emma Lewis admitted to communication shortcomings with the community and stressed the importance of rebuilding trust through transparent dialogue.
- Shell is focusing on stable production of certified plastic products and has brought in experienced staff to improve plant operations.
Key quote:
"We're not going to go anywhere. You might not like us, but it's a bit late for that."
— Emma Lewis, Shell’s senior vice president of U.S. Chemicals and Products
Why this matters:
Shell's plant is a major investment in Pennsylvania's economy, but its environmental impact and strained community relations raise concerns. Transparent communication and operational improvements are vital for addressing these challenges and ensuring long-term success.
Related EHN coverage:
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Credit: Gerd Altmann/Pixabay
Big oil companies report soaring profits and increased production
Major oil companies like Exxon Mobil, Shell and BP reported higher-than-expected profits due to increased oil and gas production, while Chevron's earnings fell short because of its refining business.
In short:
- Exxon Mobil achieved a 15% increase in second-quarter production thanks to record outputs in the Permian Basin and Guyana, while Chevron announced it will relocate its headquarters to Houston.
- ConocoPhillips is advancing its Willow oil project in the Arctic, despite opposition, with expectations of producing 180,000 barrels per day by 2029.
- Shell and BP face criticism from environmental groups for shifting away from renewables and prioritizing short-term shareholder profits from fossil fuels.
Key quote:
“It is shameful that Shell…continues to reap billions in profits off the back of its planet-wrecking oil and gas operations.”
— Chiara Liguori, senior climate justice policy adviser for Oxfam Great Britain
Why this matters:
The oil companies' focus on fossil fuel production over renewable energy investments could hinder global climate goals. This trend underscores the tension between corporate profit motives and environmental responsibility.
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Credit: Sergey KohlBig Stock Photo
Shell pauses Rotterdam biodiesel plant construction
Shell has halted construction on a major biofuel plant in Rotterdam, citing technical difficulties as the reason for the delay.
In short:
- The biofuel plant, started in 2021, was set to produce 820,000 tonnes of biofuels annually by 2025.
- The project faced technical issues, prompting a temporary pause to reassess and optimize construction processes.
- This pause is part of Shell's broader shift, reducing its green initiatives in favor of more profitable oil and gas projects.
Key quote:
“Low-carbon fuels form a key part of Shell’s ambitions to provide affordable and sustainable products to our customers.”
— Shell spokesperson.
Why this matters:
The delay in Shell's biodiesel plant reflects broader industry struggles to transition to sustainable energy. Traditional diesel fuels are known contributors to air pollution, which poses significant health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Biodiesel, by contrast, burns cleaner and produces fewer pollutants, offering a healthier alternative for communities around the world.
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Credit: TK Kurikawa/Big Stock Photo
Shell CEO supports Biden's climate initiatives
The head of Shell praised President Biden’s climate policies for promoting job creation and local supply chains.
In short:
- Shell CEO Wael Sawan endorsed Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law and Inflation Reduction Act, highlighting their success in attracting capital across the U.S.
- Sawan stressed the importance of stability and predictability in climate technology incentives and LNG permitting for future energy investments.
- He also noted the role of LNG in transitioning to lower-carbon solutions and criticized absolutist views against fossil fuels.
Key quote:
"You’re creating jobs. You’re actually starting to anchor new industries. And over time, what you will do is you will create supply chains locally that are able to satisfy the demands of many of these industries."
— Wael Sawan, CEO of Shell
Why this matters:
Bipartisan support for climate policies from major industry leaders like Shell can enhance the stability and continuity of these initiatives. By focusing on domestic production and resources, President Biden’s policies not only support job growth but also enhance the resilience of the U.S. economy against global disruptions. This shift can help reduce carbon footprints associated with long-distance transportation and promote sustainability.
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Credit: Zachary Theodore/Unsplash
Shell scales back its climate goals amid business growth
In a strategic pivot, Shell aims for a modest reduction in emissions by 2030, facing criticism for prioritizing expansion over environmental commitments.
Jillian Ambrose reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Shell adjusts its carbon emissions reduction target to 15-20% by 2030, down from an initial 20%.
- The company plans to expand its liquified natural gas operations and maintain current oil production levels.
- Critics denounce the move as a step back for climate action, highlighting Shell's focus on profit over planet health.
Key quote:
This "retrograde step" shows once again that Shell has "no interest in acting for the climate."
— Agathe Masson, campaign group Reclaim Finance
Why this matters:
Shell's decision reflects a broader tension in the energy sector between economic growth and environmental stewardship. With the climate crisis looming, the strategies of major energy firms have significant implications for global efforts to combat climate change, affecting health and sustainability initiatives worldwide.
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Credit: Michel Isamuna/Unsplash
Shell's exit from the Niger Delta raises environmental accountability concerns
A report demands Shell address its extensive pollution legacy and safely decommission its abandoned oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta before exiting the region.
In short:
- Shell is preparing to leave the Niger Delta but faces demands to address its pollution legacy and safely decommission oil infrastructure.
- A report by the Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations highlights Shell's avoidance of cleanup responsibilities despite significant profits from the region.
- Transparency issues and insufficient funding for decommissioning pose major challenges, with Shell accused of evading long-term environmental responsibilities.
Key quote:
"Shell has pulled off the ultimate Houdini act."
— Audrey Gaughran, executive director of the Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations
Why this matters:
Shell's departure from the Niger Delta without addressing its environmental damage could set a dangerous precedent for corporate responsibility worldwide.
This development comes amid findings of widespread noncompliance with plugging requirements in the conventional oil and gas industry. For example, concerns have been raised about Diversified Energy Company, the largest owner of oil and gas wells in the United States, potentially abandoning up to 70,000 oil and gas wells across Appalachia without proper closure.
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