Difference between revisions of "Chevron Corporation" - New World Encyclopedia
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| company_type = [[Public company|Public]] ({{NYSE|CVX}}) | | company_type = [[Public company|Public]] ({{NYSE|CVX}}) | ||
| company_slogan = | | company_slogan = | ||
| − | | foundation = 1879<br>([[Chevron_Corporation#History|Standard Oil of California]]) | + | | foundation = 1879<br/>([[Chevron_Corporation#History|Standard Oil of California]]) |
| location = {{flagicon|USA}} [[San Ramon, California]] | | location = {{flagicon|USA}} [[San Ramon, California]] | ||
| area_served = Worldwide | | area_served = Worldwide | ||
| − | | key_people = [[David J. O'Reilly]]<br><small>([[Chief executive officer|CEO]]) & ([[Chair (official)|Chairman]])<br></small>[[Steve Crowe|Stephen J. Crowe]]<br><small>([[Vice_President#Vice_presidents_in_business|Vice President]]) & ([[Chief Financial Officer|CFO]])</small> | + | | key_people = [[David J. O'Reilly]]<br/><small>([[Chief executive officer|CEO]]) & ([[Chair (official)|Chairman]])<br/></small>[[Steve Crowe|Stephen J. Crowe]]<br/><small>([[Vice_President#Vice_presidents_in_business|Vice President]]) & ([[Chief Financial Officer|CFO]])</small> |
| − | | industry = [[List of petroleum companies|Oil and Gasoline]]<br>[[Mining]] | + | | industry = [[List of petroleum companies|Oil and Gasoline]]<br/>[[Mining]] |
| − | | num_employees = 60,000 | + | | num_employees = 60,000 ''(2008)'' |
| − | | products = [[Oil]]<br>[[Petroleum]]<br>[[Natural Gas]]<br>[[Petrochemical]]<br>[[Fuel]]<br>[[Lubricant]]<br>[[Chevron_Corporation#Marketing_Brands|List of marketing brands]] | + | | products = [[Oil]]<br/>[[Petroleum]]<br/>[[Natural Gas]]<br/>[[Petrochemical]]<br/>[[Fuel]]<br/>[[Lubricant]]<br/>[[Chevron_Corporation#Marketing_Brands|List of marketing brands]] |
| − | | market cap = [[United States Dollar|US$]] 196.68 billion | + | | market cap = [[United States Dollar|US$]] 196.68 billion ''(2007)'' |
| − | | revenue = {{profit}} [[United States Dollar|US$]] 220.904 billion | + | | revenue = {{profit}} [[United States Dollar|US$]] 220.904 billion ''(2007)'' |
| − | |operating_income = {{profit}} [[United States Dollar|US$]] 32.167 billion | + | |operating_income = {{profit}} [[United States Dollar|US$]] 32.167 billion ''(2007)'' |
| − | | net_income = {{profit}} [[United States Dollar|US$]] 18.688 billion | + | | net_income = {{profit}} [[United States Dollar|US$]] 18.688 billion ''(2007)'' |
| − | | assets = {{increase}} [[United States Dollar|US$]] 148.786 billion | + | | assets = {{increase}} [[United States Dollar|US$]] 148.786 billion ''(2007)'' |
| − | | equity = {{increase}} [[United States Dollar|US$]] 77.088 billion | + | | equity = {{increase}} [[United States Dollar|US$]] 77.088 billion ''(2007)'' |
| − | | subsid = [[Chevron Global Exploration and Corporate Reserves]]<br> | + | | subsid = [[Chevron Global Exploration and Corporate Reserves]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Africa & Latin America Exploration & Production]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Africa & Latin America Exploration & Production]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration & Production]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration & Production]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Eurasia, Europe and Middle East Exploration & Production]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Eurasia, Europe and Middle East Exploration & Production]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron North America Exploration & Production]]<br> | + | [[Chevron North America Exploration & Production]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Global Gas]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Global Gas]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Global Marketing]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Global Marketing]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Global Lubricants]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Global Lubricants]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Global Manufacturing]] <br> | + | [[Chevron Global Manufacturing]] <br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Global Supply and Trading]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Global Supply and Trading]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Oronite]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Oronite]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Phillips Chemical]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Phillips Chemical]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Mining]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Mining]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Business and Real Estate Services]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Business and Real Estate Services]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Energy Solutions]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Energy Solutions]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Environmental Management]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Environmental Management]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Energy Technology]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Energy Technology]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Information Technology]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Information Technology]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Project Resources]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Project Resources]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Strategic Research]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Strategic Research]]<br/> |
| − | [[Chevron Technology Marketing]]<br> | + | [[Chevron Technology Marketing]]<br/> |
[[Chevron Technology Ventures]] | [[Chevron Technology Ventures]] | ||
| homepage = [http://www.chevron.com/ Chevron.com] | | homepage = [http://www.chevron.com/ Chevron.com] | ||
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'''Chevron Corporation''' ({{nyse|CVX}}) is the world's fourth-largest non-government [[energy]] [[corporation|company]]. Headquartered in [[San Ramon, California]], [[United States|U.S.A.]], and active in more than 180 countries, it is engaged in every aspect of the [[Petroleum|oil]] and [[gas]] industry, including [[exploration]] and [[Petroleum#Extraction|production]]; [[refining]], marketing and transport; chemicals manufacturing and sales; and [[power generation]]. Chevron is one of the world's six "[[supermajor]]" oil companies. | '''Chevron Corporation''' ({{nyse|CVX}}) is the world's fourth-largest non-government [[energy]] [[corporation|company]]. Headquartered in [[San Ramon, California]], [[United States|U.S.A.]], and active in more than 180 countries, it is engaged in every aspect of the [[Petroleum|oil]] and [[gas]] industry, including [[exploration]] and [[Petroleum#Extraction|production]]; [[refining]], marketing and transport; chemicals manufacturing and sales; and [[power generation]]. Chevron is one of the world's six "[[supermajor]]" oil companies. | ||
| − | Chevron originated as the Pacific Coast Oil Company, founded in 1879 to develop the Pico Canyon Oilfield | + | Chevron originated as the Pacific Coast Oil Company, founded in 1879 to develop the Pico Canyon Oilfield north of [[Los Angeles]]. It was purchased by [[Standard Oil]] In 1900, and after the [[antitrust]] breakup of Standard Oil in 1911, it became ''Standard Oil of California'', or “SoCal.” During the 1930s, SoCal [[geology|geologists]] discovered oil reserves in [[Bahrain]] and [[Saudi Arabia]] and the company began its international operations. Socal changed its name to “Chevron Corporation” after it acquired [[Gulf Oil]] in 1984, the largest merger in history at that time. Chevron’s oil production activities have resulted in numerous [[environmentalism|environmental]] law suits against the company, and it has also been criticized for its social policies in some countries. Defenders of Chevron’s environmental record point to recent changes in the corporation, particularly its pledge, as of 2004, to combat [[global warming]]. <ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/03/22/BUGKPHRTJ71.DTL&type=business Quest for clean energy Chevron, PG&E cited for positive steps to combat global warming] David R. Baker, San Francisco Chronicle (March 22, 2006) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref>Chevron has taken steps to reduce emissions of [[greenhouse gases]] <ref> [http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2000/August/493enrd.htm CHEVRON AGREES TO RECORD $7 MILLION ENVIRONMENTAL SETTLEMENT] U.S. Department of Justice |(August 23, 2000) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref>and is investing US$300 million per year into [[alternative fuel]] sources. |
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
| − | Chevron employs more than 59,000 people worldwide (of which 27,000 are U.S.-based) and about 5,800 service station employees. It had approximately 10.8 billion barrels of oil-equivalent net proved reserves at | + | Chevron employs more than 59,000 people worldwide (of which 27,000 are U.S.-based) and about 5,800 service station employees. It had approximately 10.8 billion barrels of oil-equivalent net proved reserves at December 31, 2007. Daily production in 2007 was 2.62 million net oil-equivalent barrels per day. Approximately 70 percent of that volume occurred outside the United States in more than 20 countries. <ref> Chevron.com [http://www.chevron.com/about/leadership/ Company Profile] Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> |
| − | In addition, the company had a global refining capacity at year-end 2007 of more than 2 million barrels (350,000 m³) of [[petroleum|crude oil]] per day. The company has a worldwide marketing network of approximately 24,000 retail sites on six continents, including those of affiliate companies. The company also has interests in 13 [[electricity generation|power generating]] assets in the [[United States]] and [[Asia]]. | + | In addition, the company had a global [[oil refinery|refining]] capacity at year-end 2007 of more than 2 million barrels (350,000 m³) of [[petroleum|crude oil]] per day. The company has a worldwide marketing network of approximately 24,000 retail sites on six continents, including those of affiliate companies. The company also has interests in 13 [[electricity generation|power generating]] assets in the [[United States]] and [[Asia]]. |
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==History== | ==History== | ||
| − | The company marked its 125th anniversary in 2004, tracing its roots to the discovery of an [[Petroleum|oilfield]] in Pico Canyon (now the [[Pico Canyon Oilfield]]) north of Los Angeles. This find led to the formation, in 1879, of the Pacific Coast Oil Company, the oldest predecessor of Chevron Corporation. In 1900, Standard Oil purchased Pacific Coast Oil Company, and six years later merged it was merged with Standard Oil’s West Coast marketing operations to form Standard Oil Company (California). Amid the [[antitrust]] breakup of [[John D. Rockefeller]]'s [[Standard Oil]] company in 1911, it became ''Standard Oil of California'', or “SoCal,” an autonomous entity with its own oil fields, pipelines, tankers, refineries, and markets. In 1926 it purchased Pacific Oil Company, previously owned by Southern Pacific Railway, and extended its pipelines and refineries | + | The company marked its 125th anniversary in 2004, tracing its roots to the discovery of an [[Petroleum|oilfield]] in Pico Canyon (now the [[Pico Canyon Oilfield]]) north of Los Angeles. This find led to the formation, in 1879, of the Pacific Coast Oil Company, the oldest predecessor of Chevron Corporation. In 1900, [[Standard Oil]] purchased Pacific Coast Oil Company, and six years later merged it was merged with Standard Oil’s West Coast marketing operations to form Standard Oil Company (California). Amid the [[antitrust]] breakup of [[John D. Rockefeller]]'s [[Standard Oil]] company in 1911, it became ''Standard Oil of California'', or “SoCal,” an autonomous entity with its own oil fields, pipelines, tankers, refineries, and markets. In 1926 it purchased Pacific Oil Company, previously owned by [[Southern Pacific Railway]], and extended its pipelines and refineries from California to Texas. |
| − | Standard Oil of California, or SoCal, was one of the [[Seven Sisters (oil companies)|"Seven Sisters"]] that dominated the world oil industry during the early 20th century. | + | Standard Oil of California, or SoCal, was one of the [[Seven Sisters (oil companies)|"Seven Sisters"]] that dominated the world oil industry during the early 20th century. |
| − | In 1933, [[Saudi Arabia]] granted SoCal a concession to find oil, which occurred in 1938. In the early 1950s, SoCal discovered the world's largest oil field ([[Ghawar Field|Ghawar]]) in Saudi Arabia. | + | In 1933, [[Saudi Arabia]] granted SoCal a concession to find oil, which occurred in 1938. In the early 1950s, SoCal discovered the world's largest oil field ([[Ghawar Field|Ghawar]]) in Saudi Arabia. SoCal's subsidiary, California-Arabian Standard Oil Company, evolved over the years, becoming the Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO) in 1944. In 1973, the Saudi government began buying into ARAMCO. By 1980, the company was entirely owned by the Saudis and in 1988, the name was changed to Saudi Arabian Oil Company ([[Saudi Aramco]]). |
| − | The Texas Fuel Company, which started out in three rooms of a corrugated iron building in [[Beaumont, Texas]], in 1901, became known as The Texas Company and eventually [[Texaco]]. After SoCal geologists discovered oil reserves in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in the early 1930s, Texaco and SoCal formed a joint marketing enterprise in 1936, the Caltex Group of Companies. In 1939 the California company began operations in Louisiana and later offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Caltex began Canadian production in 1941, and later formed subsidiaries and affiliates in Libya, Nigeria, Spain, Indonesia, and other parts of the world. In 1961 Caltex purchased Standard Oil Company (Kentucky). | + | The Texas Fuel Company, which started out in three rooms of a corrugated iron building in [[Beaumont, Texas]], in 1901, became known as The Texas Company and eventually [[Texaco]]. After SoCal geologists discovered oil reserves in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in the early 1930s, Texaco and SoCal formed a joint marketing enterprise in 1936, the Caltex Group of Companies. In 1939 the California company began operations in [[Louisiana]] and later offshore in the [[Gulf of Mexico]]. Caltex began Canadian production in 1941, and later formed subsidiaries and affiliates in [[Libya]], [[Nigeria]], [[Spain]], [[Indonesia]], and other parts of the world. In 1961 Caltex purchased Standard Oil Company ([[Kentucky]]). |
| − | The purchase of [[Gulf Oil]] by Standard Oil of California in 1984 was the largest merger in history at that time. Because of its size, SoCal divested many of Gulf's operating subsidiaries and sold some Gulf stations and a refinery in the eastern United States to satisfy U.S. antitrust requirements. | + | The purchase of [[Gulf Oil]] by Standard Oil of California in 1984 was the largest merger in history at that time. Because of its size, SoCal divested many of Gulf's operating subsidiaries and sold some Gulf stations and a refinery in the eastern [[United States]] to satisfy U.S. antitrust requirements. As part of the merger, SoCal changed its name to '''Chevron Corporation'''.<ref>[ http://www.chevron.com/products/about/ Chevron Products] Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> |
| − | In June 1998 [[Dynegy|Dynegy, Inc.]] ({{nyse2|DYN}}) was created by the merger of Chevron's former natural gas and natural gas liquids businesses with Dynegy's predecessor, NGC Corp. (formerly {{nyse2|NGL}}). NGC had been an integrated natural gas services company since 1994. In a merger completed February 1, 2000, Illinova Corp. (formerly {{nyse2|ILN}}) became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dynegy Inc., in which Chevron also took a 28 | + | In June 1998 [[Dynegy|Dynegy, Inc.]] ({{nyse2|DYN}}) was created by the merger of Chevron's former natural gas and natural gas liquids businesses with Dynegy's predecessor, NGC Corp. (formerly {{nyse2|NGL}}). NGC had been an integrated natural gas services company since 1994. In a merger completed February 1, 2000, Illinova Corp. (formerly {{nyse2|ILN}}) became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dynegy Inc., in which Chevron also took a 28 percent stake. |
| − | In 2001, Chevron Corporation acquired [[Texaco]] to form ChevronTexaco. | + | In 2001, Chevron Corporation acquired [[Texaco]] to form ChevronTexaco. On May 9, 2005, ChevronTexaco announced it would drop the Texaco [[moniker]] and return to the Chevron name. Texaco remains as a brand name under the Chevron Corporation. On August 19, 2005, Chevron acquired the [[Unocal Corporation]]. Unocal's large South East Asian geothermal operations made Chevron the world's largest producer of [[geothermal energy]]. <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4716334.stm Chevron claims energy debate] BBC News (February 19, 2006.)</ref> |
==Headquarters== | ==Headquarters== | ||
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== Oil == | == Oil == | ||
| − | Chevron is the largest private producer of oil and gas in Kazakhstan and Thailand, and the top crude producer in Indonesia. In Australia, it is the largest leaseholder of undeveloped natural gas resources, and is also a top leaseholder in the Gulf of Mexico. From 2001 to 2007 Chevron increased its oil-equivalent resource base by about 1 billion barrels per year through its exploration programs. Chevron has invested more than US$1 billion in each of 40 projects, and over US$200 million in more than 35 projects worldwide. | + | Chevron is the largest private producer of [[oil]] and [[gas]] in [[Kazakhstan]] and [[Thailand]], and the top crude producer in [[Indonesia]]. In [[Australia]], it is the largest leaseholder of undeveloped natural gas resources, and is also a top leaseholder in the [[Gulf of Mexico]]. From 2001 to 2007 Chevron increased its oil-equivalent resource base by about 1 billion barrels per year through its exploration programs. Chevron has invested more than US$1 billion in each of 40 projects, and over US$200 million in more than 35 projects worldwide. |
| + | |||
==Natural Gas== | ==Natural Gas== | ||
| − | Natural gas now provides 23 percent of all energy consumed in the world. Chevron’s natural gas resources include significant holdings in Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Caspian region, Latin America and North America. Chevron produces approximately 5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day and expects to substantially increase this volume over the next decade. Regions with natural gas surpluses are often located at great distances from the areas where it is in greatest demand. Chevron uses the latest technologies to develop natural gas products, from conventional pipeline gas to liquefied natural gas (LNG) to gas-to-liquids (GTL). Cooled into a liquid, natural gas can be shipped safely in specialized tankers to gasification plants where it is heated to its gaseous state so it can be delivered to customers through pipeline systems. | + | [[Natural gas]] now provides 23 percent of all energy consumed in the world. Chevron’s natural gas resources include significant holdings in [[Africa]], [[Australia]], [[Southeast Asia]], the [[Caspian]] region, [[Latin America]] and [[North America]]. Chevron produces approximately 5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day and expects to substantially increase this volume over the next decade. Regions with natural gas surpluses are often located at great distances from the areas where it is in greatest demand. Chevron uses the latest technologies to develop natural gas products, from conventional pipeline gas to [[liquefied natural gas]] (LNG) to gas-to-liquids (GTL). Cooled into a liquid, natural gas can be shipped safely in specialized tankers to gasification plants where it is heated to its gaseous state so it can be delivered to customers through pipeline systems. |
| − | Chevron is also developing gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology, which can be used to create synthetic diesel fuel, lubricant base oils and naphtha from natural gas. GTL diesel delivers higher performance and has a lower environmental impact than traditional diesel fuels; it can be blended into conventional diesel to increasing the supply of fuel that meets stringent air-quality rules.<ref> Chevron.com [http://www.chevron.com/deliveringenergy/naturalgas/ Natural gas] Retrieved Dcember 3, 2008.</ref> | + | Chevron is also developing gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology, which can be used to create synthetic diesel fuel, lubricant base oils and [[naphtha]] from natural gas. GTL [[diesel]] delivers higher performance and has a lower environmental impact than traditional diesel fuels; it can be blended into conventional diesel to increasing the supply of fuel that meets stringent air-quality rules.<ref> Chevron.com [http://www.chevron.com/deliveringenergy/naturalgas/ Natural gas] Retrieved Dcember 3, 2008.</ref> |
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== Alternative energy == | == Alternative energy == | ||
The company also develops, and commercializes advanced energy technologies, including [[fuel cell]]s, [[solar cell|photovoltaics]], and advanced batteries, and is active in research and development efforts to utilize [[hydrogen]] as a [[fuel]] for [[transport]] and [[electric power|power]]. | The company also develops, and commercializes advanced energy technologies, including [[fuel cell]]s, [[solar cell|photovoltaics]], and advanced batteries, and is active in research and development efforts to utilize [[hydrogen]] as a [[fuel]] for [[transport]] and [[electric power|power]]. | ||
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Chevron is investing US$300 million per year into alternative fuel sources, and has created a biofuels business unit.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4716334.stm BBC NEWS | Business | Chevron claims energy debate<!--Bot-generated title—>]</ref> | Chevron is investing US$300 million per year into alternative fuel sources, and has created a biofuels business unit.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4716334.stm BBC NEWS | Business | Chevron claims energy debate<!--Bot-generated title—>]</ref> | ||
| − | In 2007, Chevron Corporation and [[US-DOE]]'s [[National Renewable Energy Laboratory]] (NREL) announced that they had entered into a collaborative research and development agreement to produce [[biofuels from algae]]. Under the agreement, Chevron and NREL scientists will collaborate to identify and develop algae strains that can be economically harvested and processed into transportation fuels such as [[jet fuel]].<ref>[http://www.nrel.gov/news/press/2007/535.html NREL: Chevron and NREL to Collaborate on Research to Produce Transportation Fuels using Algae] National Renewable Energy Laboratory (October 31, 2007) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> | + | In 2007, Chevron Corporation and [[US-DOE]]'s [[National Renewable Energy Laboratory]] (NREL) announced that they had entered into a collaborative research and development agreement to produce [[biofuels from algae]]. Under the agreement, Chevron and NREL scientists will collaborate to identify and develop [[algae]] strains that can be economically harvested and processed into transportation fuels such as [[jet fuel]].<ref>[http://www.nrel.gov/news/press/2007/535.html NREL: Chevron and NREL to Collaborate on Research to Produce Transportation Fuels using Algae] National Renewable Energy Laboratory (October 31, 2007) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> |
== Chevron Shipping Company== | == Chevron Shipping Company== | ||
| − | [[Chevron Shipping Company]] is a wholly owned subsidiary company which handles the maritime transport operation for Chevron Corporation. The fleet comprises crude oil and product tankers as well as three gas tankers operated by Chevron Shipping for other companies. The fleet is divided into two sections | + | [[Chevron Shipping Company]] is a wholly owned subsidiary company which handles the maritime transport operation for Chevron Corporation. The fleet comprises crude oil and product tankers as well as three gas tankers operated by Chevron Shipping for other companies. The fleet is divided into two sections, U.S> and International. The [[US]] fleet transports oil products from Chevron [[refineries]] to customers in the US. The ships are manned by US citizens and are flagged in the US. The International fleet vessels are flagged in the [[Bahamas]] and have officers and crews from many different nations. The largest ships are 308,000 tonne [[VLCC]]s. The job of the international fleet is to transport crude oil from the oilfields to the refineries. The international fleet mans two [[LPG]] tankers and one [[LNG]] tanker. |
| − | The [[US]] fleet transports oil products from Chevron [[refineries]] to customers in the US. The ships are manned by US citizens and are flagged in the US. The International fleet vessels are flagged in the [[Bahamas]] and have officers and crews from many different nations. The largest ships are 308,000 tonne [[VLCC]]s. The job of the international fleet is to transport crude oil from the oilfields to the refineries. The international fleet mans two [[LPG]] tankers and one [[LNG]] tanker. | ||
| − | Chevron originally gave its ships names beginning with "Chevron," such as the Chevron Washington and Chevron South America, or named them after former or serving Directors of the company such as Samuel Ginn and William E. Crain. A ship named after [[Condoleezza Rice]] was renamed Altair Voyager in 2001 after a controversy over whether it was appropriate to name an oil tanker after President George W. | + | Chevron originally gave its ships names beginning with "Chevron," such as the ''Chevron Washington'' and ''Chevron South America'', or named them after former or serving Directors of the company such as ''Samuel Ginn'' and ''William E. Crain''. A ship named after [[Condoleezza Rice]] was renamed ''Altair Voyager'' in 2001 after a controversy over whether it was appropriate to name an oil tanker after President [[George W. Bush]]’s [[national security advisor]].<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2001/05/05/MN223743.DTL Chevron redubs ship named for Bush aide] Carla Marinucci, [[San Francisco Chronicle]] (May 5, 2001 ) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> After the corporate merger with [[Texaco]] later in 2001, the entire fleet was renamed; international ships after celestial bodies or constellations (''Orion Voyager, Altair Voyager'' etc) and U.S. ships after states (''Washington Voyager, Colorado Voyager'' etc). |
== Environmental record == | == Environmental record == | ||
| − | From 1965 to 1993, Texaco participated in a consortium to develop the [[Lago Agrio oil field]] in [[Ecuador]]. It has been accused of causing extensive environmental damage by these operations, and faces legal claims from both private plaintiffs and the government of Ecuador. The case has been widely publicized by environmental activists. Chevron claims that it is being unfairly targeted as a [[deep pocket]] defendant, when the actual responsibility lies with the government and its national oil company. | + | From 1965 to 1993, Texaco participated in a [[consortium]] to develop the [[Lago Agrio oil field]] in [[Ecuador]]. It has been accused of causing extensive environmental damage by these operations, and faces legal claims from both private plaintiffs and the government of Ecuador. The case has been widely publicized by environmental activists. Chevron claims that it is being unfairly targeted as a [[deep pocket]] defendant, when the actual responsibility lies with the government and its national oil company. |
| − | Chevron’s activities in [[Richmond, California]] have been the subject of ongoing controversy. A project there houses over 11 million pounds of toxic materials and has been responsible for over 304 accidents.<ref>[http://www.umich.edu/~snre492/sherman.html Environmental Justice Case Study: Richmond, CA] Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> In 1998, Chevron’s Richmond refineries were forced to pay $540,000 in penalties for illegally bypassing wastewater treatments and failing to notify the public about toxic releases<ref>[http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/34cef4854b892b8b8525645a004de9a4/fb476240c30ba96b852570d8005e12e0!OpenDocument CHEVRON RICHMOND REFINERY TO PAY $540,000 ENVIRONMENTAL PENALTY] Newsroom, U.S. EPA (October 15, 2998) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> Overall, Chevron is listed as potentially responsible for ninety-five [[Superfund]] sites—locations for which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has earmarked funds for cleanup.<ref>Co-op America, [http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/rs/profile.cfm?id=201 Responsible Shopper Profile: Chevron] Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> In October 2003, the state of [[New Hampshire]] sued Chevron and other oil companies for using MTBE, a gasoline additive that the attorney general claimed polluted much of the state's water supply.<ref> Knowmore.org [http://www.knowmore.org/wiki/index.php?title=Chevron_Texaco_Corporation Chevron_Texaco_Corporation] Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> | + | Chevron’s activities in [[Richmond, California]] have been the subject of ongoing controversy. A project there houses over 11 million pounds of toxic materials and has been responsible for over 304 accidents.<ref>[http://www.umich.edu/~snre492/sherman.html Environmental Justice Case Study: Richmond, CA] Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> In 1998, Chevron’s Richmond refineries were forced to pay $540,000 in penalties for illegally bypassing wastewater treatments and failing to notify the public about toxic releases<ref>[http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/34cef4854b892b8b8525645a004de9a4/fb476240c30ba96b852570d8005e12e0!OpenDocument CHEVRON RICHMOND REFINERY TO PAY $540,000 ENVIRONMENTAL PENALTY] Newsroom, U.S. EPA (October 15, 2998) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> Overall, Chevron is listed as potentially responsible for ninety-five [[Superfund]] sites—locations for which the U.S. [[Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) has earmarked funds for cleanup.<ref>Co-op America, [http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/rs/profile.cfm?id=201 Responsible Shopper Profile: Chevron] Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> In October 2003, the state of [[New Hampshire]] sued Chevron and other oil companies for using MTBE, a gasoline additive that the attorney general claimed polluted much of the state's [[water supply]].<ref> Knowmore.org [http://www.knowmore.org/wiki/index.php?title=Chevron_Texaco_Corporation Chevron_Texaco_Corporation] Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> |
Chevron’s African operations have also been criticized as environmentally unsound. In 2002, [[Angola]] became the first African nation ever to fine a major multinational corporation operating in its own waters when it demanded two million dollars in compensation for oil spills allegedly caused by Chevron’s poor maintenance.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/2077836.stm | Business | Angola fines Chevron for pollution] BBC NEWS (July 1, 2002) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> | Chevron’s African operations have also been criticized as environmentally unsound. In 2002, [[Angola]] became the first African nation ever to fine a major multinational corporation operating in its own waters when it demanded two million dollars in compensation for oil spills allegedly caused by Chevron’s poor maintenance.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/2077836.stm | Business | Angola fines Chevron for pollution] BBC NEWS (July 1, 2002) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> | ||
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On May 28, 1998, local [[activist]]s staged a demonstration to demand compensation for the use of their oil-rich land and took several individuals hostage on a private oil platform in the [[Niger Delta]], [[Nigeria]]. Nigerian police and soldiers were allegedly flown in with Chevron helicopters. Soldiers shot at the activists and subsequently two activists (Jola Ogungbeje and Aroleka Irowaninu) died from their wounds.<ref>DeomcracyNow.com [http://www.democracynow.org/2003/7/11/transcript_of_drilling_and_killing_documentary Transcript of Drilling and Killing Documentary] Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> Chevron described the situation as "a violent occupation of private property by aggressors seeking to extort cash payments from the company."<ref>PointofLaw.com [http://www.pointoflaw.com/archives/2008/04/nigerians-pull-half-of-claims.php "Nigerians pull half of claims in Chevron suit"]. Walter Olson (April 7, 2008 Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> | On May 28, 1998, local [[activist]]s staged a demonstration to demand compensation for the use of their oil-rich land and took several individuals hostage on a private oil platform in the [[Niger Delta]], [[Nigeria]]. Nigerian police and soldiers were allegedly flown in with Chevron helicopters. Soldiers shot at the activists and subsequently two activists (Jola Ogungbeje and Aroleka Irowaninu) died from their wounds.<ref>DeomcracyNow.com [http://www.democracynow.org/2003/7/11/transcript_of_drilling_and_killing_documentary Transcript of Drilling and Killing Documentary] Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> Chevron described the situation as "a violent occupation of private property by aggressors seeking to extort cash payments from the company."<ref>PointofLaw.com [http://www.pointoflaw.com/archives/2008/04/nigerians-pull-half-of-claims.php "Nigerians pull half of claims in Chevron suit"]. Walter Olson (April 7, 2008 Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> | ||
| − | U.S. District Judge [[Susan Illston]], allowing a lawsuit brought by victims and victims' families against Chevron to proceed, said that there may be evidence that Chevron has hired, supervised, and/or provided transportation to Nigerian military forces known for their "general history of committing abuses."<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/08/15/BAGVPRJ1QK5.DTL Chevron can be sued for attacks on Nigerians, U.S. judge rules] Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle (August 15, 2007) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> In March 2008, the plaintiffs' lawyers, without explanation, "quietly moved to withdraw half of their claims" against Chevron. <ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/03/11/BUMAVHSSU.DTL Nigerians pull half of claims in Chevron suit], Bob Egelko, ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''. | + | U.S. District Judge [[Susan Illston]], allowing a lawsuit brought by victims and victims' families against Chevron to proceed, said that there may be evidence that Chevron has hired, supervised, and/or provided transportation to Nigerian military forces known for their "general history of committing abuses."<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/08/15/BAGVPRJ1QK5.DTL Chevron can be sued for attacks on Nigerians, U.S. judge rules] Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle (August 15, 2007) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> In March 2008, the plaintiffs' lawyers, without explanation, "quietly moved to withdraw half of their claims" against Chevron. <ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/03/11/BUMAVHSSU.DTL Nigerians pull half of claims in Chevron suit], Bob Egelko, ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]''. (March 12, 2008) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> |
| − | The Nigerian government | + | The Nigerian government reportedly depends upon oil production for 80 percent of its revenue. [[Amnesty International]] and other [[human rights]] organizations have condemned the Nigerian government for its reported harsh treatment of [[environmentalism|environmentalists]],<ref>[http://www.amnestyusa.org/all-countries/nigeria/page.do?id=1011212 Nigeria Human Rights]</ref> and for failing to provide sanitation, a clean water supply and adequate schools for the inhabitants of the regions where the oil is produced. |
===Accusations of irresponsibility in Cabinda=== | ===Accusations of irresponsibility in Cabinda=== | ||
| − | Although revenue from oil supports the | + | Although revenue from oil supports the MPLA government in [[Angola]], Chevron has been accused of not fulfilling its community responsibilities in the province of [[Cabinda]], Angola. Chevron's employees live and work in isolated, self-sufficient compounds such as the [[Malongo]] terminal, supplying their own services and importing groceries and other commodities duty free from overseas, so that there is little economic impact on local markets and infrastructure. In a survey, Cabindans expressed their concern that the multi-billion dollar oil industry has not improved their daily lives.<ref>American University, TRADE & ENVIRONMENT DATABASE (TED) [http://www.american.edu/TED/ice/cabinda.htm# Angola: Cabinda] The Inventory of Conflict & Environment (ICE) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> Bot generated title —>]</ref> |
==Environmental Policy and Development== | ==Environmental Policy and Development== | ||
Defenders of Chevron’s environmental record point to recent changes in the corporation, particularly its pledge, as of 2004, to combat [[global warming]]. <ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/03/22/BUGKPHRTJ71.DTL&type=business Quest for clean energy Chevron, PG&E cited for positive steps to combat global warming] David R. Baker, San Francisco Chronicle (March 22, 2006) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> | Defenders of Chevron’s environmental record point to recent changes in the corporation, particularly its pledge, as of 2004, to combat [[global warming]]. <ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/03/22/BUGKPHRTJ71.DTL&type=business Quest for clean energy Chevron, PG&E cited for positive steps to combat global warming] David R. Baker, San Francisco Chronicle (March 22, 2006) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> | ||
| − | Chevron has taken steps to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and pursue cleaner forms of energy. .<ref> [http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2000/August/493enrd.htm CHEVRON AGREES TO RECORD $7 MILLION ENVIRONMENTAL SETTLEMENT] U.S. Department of Justice |(August 23, 2000) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref>.<ref>[http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/b1ab9f485b098972852562e7004dc686/0fd3f9216a2c5fbf85256dc10054c376?OpenDocument U.S. Announces Clean Air Agreement with Chevron U.S.A. - Petroleum Refiner to Reduce Air Emissions at Refineries in Four States] Environmental Protection Agency (October 16, 2003) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> In a 2006 study, Ceres, a coalition of institutional investors and environmentalists based in Boston, ranked Chevron highest among U.S. oil companies for investing in alternative energy sources and setting targets for reducing its own emissions. .<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/03/22/BUGKPHRTJ71.DTL&type=business Quest for clean energy / Chevron, PG&E cited for positive steps to combat global warming] David R. Baker, (San Francisco Chronicle (March 22, 2006) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> Chevron is the world's largest producer of [[geothermal energy]], providing enough power for over 7 million homes in Indonesia and the Philippines.<ref>[ http://www.chevron.com/Stories/#/stories/re_geo/geo_ov/%20Chevron Geothermal Energy] Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> | + | Chevron has taken steps to reduce emissions of [[greenhouse gases]] and pursue cleaner forms of energy. .<ref> [http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2000/August/493enrd.htm CHEVRON AGREES TO RECORD $7 MILLION ENVIRONMENTAL SETTLEMENT] U.S. Department of Justice |(August 23, 2000) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref>.<ref>[http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/b1ab9f485b098972852562e7004dc686/0fd3f9216a2c5fbf85256dc10054c376?OpenDocument U.S. Announces Clean Air Agreement with Chevron U.S.A. - Petroleum Refiner to Reduce Air Emissions at Refineries in Four States] Environmental Protection Agency (October 16, 2003) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> In a 2006 study, Ceres, a coalition of institutional investors and environmentalists based in [[Boston]], ranked Chevron highest among U.S. oil companies for investing in alternative energy sources and setting targets for reducing its own emissions. .<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/03/22/BUGKPHRTJ71.DTL&type=business Quest for clean energy / Chevron, PG&E cited for positive steps to combat global warming] David R. Baker, (San Francisco Chronicle (March 22, 2006) Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> Chevron is the world's largest producer of [[geothermal energy]], providing enough power for over 7 million homes in Indonesia and the Philippines.<ref>[http://www.chevron.com/Stories/#/stories/re_geo/geo_ov/%20Chevron Geothermal Energy] Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref> |
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== Marketing brands == | == Marketing brands == | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
| − | *Goodman, Amy, and David Goodman. The exception to the rulers: exposing oily politicians, war profiteers, and the media that love them. New York: Hyperion. 2004. ISBN 1401301312 | + | *Goodman, Amy, and David Goodman. ''The exception to the rulers: exposing oily politicians, war profiteers, and the media that love them.'' New York: Hyperion. 2004. ISBN 1401301312 |
| − | *Houck, John W., and Oliver F. Williams. Is the good corporation dead?: social responsibility in a global economy. Lanham, Md: Rowman & Littlefield. 1996. ISBN 0847682099 | + | *Houck, John W., and Oliver F. Williams. ''Is the good corporation dead?: social responsibility in a global economy.'' Lanham, Md: Rowman & Littlefield. 1996. ISBN 0847682099 |
| − | *Mattera, Philip. World class business: a guide to the 100 most powerful global corporations. A Henry Holt reference book. New York: H. Holt. 1992. ISBN 0805016813 | + | *Mattera, Philip. ''World class business: a guide to the 100 most powerful global corporations.'' A Henry Holt reference book. New York: H. Holt. 1992. ISBN 0805016813 |
| − | * Sampson, Anthony. The seven sisters: the great oil companies and the world they shaped. New York: Viking Press. 1975. | + | * Sampson, Anthony. ''The seven sisters: the great oil companies and the world they shaped''. New York: Viking Press. 1975. ISBN 0553234695 |
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
| Line 205: | Line 179: | ||
===Criticism=== | ===Criticism=== | ||
| − | * [http://soc.hfac.uh.edu/artman/publish/article_375.shtml World Internet News: "Big Oil Looking for a Government Handout" | + | * [http://soc.hfac.uh.edu/artman/publish/article_375.shtml World Internet News: "Big Oil Looking for a Government Handout," April 2006]. |
| − | * [http://news.independent.co.uk/world/environment/story.jsp?story=633329 The Independent, | + | * [http://news.independent.co.uk/world/environment/story.jsp?story=633329 The Independent, 27 April 2005, "Amazon Pollution: Victims of 'Toxico'"] |
* [http://www.chevrontoxico.com/article.php?list=type&type=3 Website critical of Chevron's activities in Ecuador] | * [http://www.chevrontoxico.com/article.php?list=type&type=3 Website critical of Chevron's activities in Ecuador] | ||
* [http://corpwatch.org/article.php?id=11519 "US: Chevron donates to Schwarzenegger, gets removal of restrictions on oil refineries in California"] | * [http://corpwatch.org/article.php?id=11519 "US: Chevron donates to Schwarzenegger, gets removal of restrictions on oil refineries in California"] | ||
Revision as of 21:27, 3 December 2008
- "CVX" redirects here.
| Chevron Corporation | |
| Type | Public (NYSE: CVX) |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1879 (Standard Oil of California) |
| Headquarters |  San Ramon, California
|
| Key people | David J. O'Reilly (CEO) & (Chairman) Stephen J. Crowe (Vice President) & (CFO) |
| Area served | Worldwide |
| Industry | Oil and Gasoline Mining |
| Products | Oil Petroleum Natural Gas Petrochemical Fuel Lubricant List of marketing brands |
| Revenue |  US$ 220.904 billion (2007)
|
| Operating income | US$ 32.167 billion (2007)
|
| Net income | US$ 18.688 billion (2007)
|
| Employees | 60,000 (2008)
|
| Subsidiaries | Chevron Global Exploration and Corporate Reserves Chevron Africa & Latin America Exploration & Production |
| Website | Chevron.com
|
Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) is the world's fourth-largest non-government energy company. Headquartered in San Ramon, California, U.S.A., and active in more than 180 countries, it is engaged in every aspect of the oil and gas industry, including exploration and production; refining, marketing and transport; chemicals manufacturing and sales; and power generation. Chevron is one of the world's six "supermajor" oil companies.
Chevron originated as the Pacific Coast Oil Company, founded in 1879 to develop the Pico Canyon Oilfield north of Los Angeles. It was purchased by Standard Oil In 1900, and after the antitrust breakup of Standard Oil in 1911, it became Standard Oil of California, or “SoCal.” During the 1930s, SoCal geologists discovered oil reserves in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and the company began its international operations. Socal changed its name to “Chevron Corporation” after it acquired Gulf Oil in 1984, the largest merger in history at that time. Chevron’s oil production activities have resulted in numerous environmental law suits against the company, and it has also been criticized for its social policies in some countries. Defenders of Chevron’s environmental record point to recent changes in the corporation, particularly its pledge, as of 2004, to combat global warming. [1]Chevron has taken steps to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases [2]and is investing US$300 million per year into alternative fuel sources.
Overview
Chevron employs more than 59,000 people worldwide (of which 27,000 are U.S.-based) and about 5,800 service station employees. It had approximately 10.8 billion barrels of oil-equivalent net proved reserves at December 31, 2007. Daily production in 2007 was 2.62 million net oil-equivalent barrels per day. Approximately 70 percent of that volume occurred outside the United States in more than 20 countries. [3] In addition, the company had a global refining capacity at year-end 2007 of more than 2 million barrels (350,000 m³) of crude oil per day. The company has a worldwide marketing network of approximately 24,000 retail sites on six continents, including those of affiliate companies. The company also has interests in 13 power generating assets in the United States and Asia.
History
The company marked its 125th anniversary in 2004, tracing its roots to the discovery of an oilfield in Pico Canyon (now the Pico Canyon Oilfield) north of Los Angeles. This find led to the formation, in 1879, of the Pacific Coast Oil Company, the oldest predecessor of Chevron Corporation. In 1900, Standard Oil purchased Pacific Coast Oil Company, and six years later merged it was merged with Standard Oil’s West Coast marketing operations to form Standard Oil Company (California). Amid the antitrust breakup of John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil company in 1911, it became Standard Oil of California, or “SoCal,” an autonomous entity with its own oil fields, pipelines, tankers, refineries, and markets. In 1926 it purchased Pacific Oil Company, previously owned by Southern Pacific Railway, and extended its pipelines and refineries from California to Texas.
Standard Oil of California, or SoCal, was one of the "Seven Sisters" that dominated the world oil industry during the early 20th century.
In 1933, Saudi Arabia granted SoCal a concession to find oil, which occurred in 1938. In the early 1950s, SoCal discovered the world's largest oil field (Ghawar) in Saudi Arabia. SoCal's subsidiary, California-Arabian Standard Oil Company, evolved over the years, becoming the Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO) in 1944. In 1973, the Saudi government began buying into ARAMCO. By 1980, the company was entirely owned by the Saudis and in 1988, the name was changed to Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco).
The Texas Fuel Company, which started out in three rooms of a corrugated iron building in Beaumont, Texas, in 1901, became known as The Texas Company and eventually Texaco. After SoCal geologists discovered oil reserves in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in the early 1930s, Texaco and SoCal formed a joint marketing enterprise in 1936, the Caltex Group of Companies. In 1939 the California company began operations in Louisiana and later offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Caltex began Canadian production in 1941, and later formed subsidiaries and affiliates in Libya, Nigeria, Spain, Indonesia, and other parts of the world. In 1961 Caltex purchased Standard Oil Company (Kentucky).
The purchase of Gulf Oil by Standard Oil of California in 1984 was the largest merger in history at that time. Because of its size, SoCal divested many of Gulf's operating subsidiaries and sold some Gulf stations and a refinery in the eastern United States to satisfy U.S. antitrust requirements. As part of the merger, SoCal changed its name to Chevron Corporation.[4]
In June 1998 Dynegy, Inc. (NYSE: DYN) was created by the merger of Chevron's former natural gas and natural gas liquids businesses with Dynegy's predecessor, NGC Corp. (formerly NYSE: NGL). NGC had been an integrated natural gas services company since 1994. In a merger completed February 1, 2000, Illinova Corp. (formerly NYSE: ILN) became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dynegy Inc., in which Chevron also took a 28 percent stake.
In 2001, Chevron Corporation acquired Texaco to form ChevronTexaco. On May 9, 2005, ChevronTexaco announced it would drop the Texaco moniker and return to the Chevron name. Texaco remains as a brand name under the Chevron Corporation. On August 19, 2005, Chevron acquired the Unocal Corporation. Unocal's large South East Asian geothermal operations made Chevron the world's largest producer of geothermal energy. [5]
Headquarters
Chevron was headquartered in San Francisco for nearly a century before it relocated its headquarters across the bay to [[San Ramon, California. Its original headquarters were at 225 Bush St., built in 1912. Chevron's headquarters buildings at 555 and 575 Market Street, San Francisco, built in the mid-1960s, were sold in December 1999.[6] Now, Chevron headquarters is at 6001 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA.
Trademark
Chevron is the owner of the Standard Oil trademark in a 16-state area of the western and southeastern United States. To maintain ownership of the mark, the company owns and operates one Standard-branded Chevron station in each state of its area.[7] Chevron also is currently the owner of the trademark rights to Texaco brand gasoline. Texaco fuels are now supplied by Chevron's network of wholesalers.
Chevron is the only brand of gas used by several automakers when testing vehicles, including General Motors and Toyota. (Ford also uses Chevron for testing despite a strategic alliance with BP.) In 2007, Chevron ranked fourth in brand loyalty for gasoline in America, while Texaco brand tied with Sunoco for second place. [8]
Oil
Chevron is the largest private producer of oil and gas in Kazakhstan and Thailand, and the top crude producer in Indonesia. In Australia, it is the largest leaseholder of undeveloped natural gas resources, and is also a top leaseholder in the Gulf of Mexico. From 2001 to 2007 Chevron increased its oil-equivalent resource base by about 1 billion barrels per year through its exploration programs. Chevron has invested more than US$1 billion in each of 40 projects, and over US$200 million in more than 35 projects worldwide.
Natural Gas
Natural gas now provides 23 percent of all energy consumed in the world. Chevron’s natural gas resources include significant holdings in Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Caspian region, Latin America and North America. Chevron produces approximately 5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day and expects to substantially increase this volume over the next decade. Regions with natural gas surpluses are often located at great distances from the areas where it is in greatest demand. Chevron uses the latest technologies to develop natural gas products, from conventional pipeline gas to liquefied natural gas (LNG) to gas-to-liquids (GTL). Cooled into a liquid, natural gas can be shipped safely in specialized tankers to gasification plants where it is heated to its gaseous state so it can be delivered to customers through pipeline systems. Chevron is also developing gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology, which can be used to create synthetic diesel fuel, lubricant base oils and naphtha from natural gas. GTL diesel delivers higher performance and has a lower environmental impact than traditional diesel fuels; it can be blended into conventional diesel to increasing the supply of fuel that meets stringent air-quality rules.[9]
Alternative energy
The company also develops, and commercializes advanced energy technologies, including fuel cells, photovoltaics, and advanced batteries, and is active in research and development efforts to utilize hydrogen as a fuel for transport and power.
Biofuels
Chevron is investing US$300 million per year into alternative fuel sources, and has created a biofuels business unit.[10]
In 2007, Chevron Corporation and US-DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) announced that they had entered into a collaborative research and development agreement to produce biofuels from algae. Under the agreement, Chevron and NREL scientists will collaborate to identify and develop algae strains that can be economically harvested and processed into transportation fuels such as jet fuel.[11]
Chevron Shipping Company
Chevron Shipping Company is a wholly owned subsidiary company which handles the maritime transport operation for Chevron Corporation. The fleet comprises crude oil and product tankers as well as three gas tankers operated by Chevron Shipping for other companies. The fleet is divided into two sections, U.S> and International. The US fleet transports oil products from Chevron refineries to customers in the US. The ships are manned by US citizens and are flagged in the US. The International fleet vessels are flagged in the Bahamas and have officers and crews from many different nations. The largest ships are 308,000 tonne VLCCs. The job of the international fleet is to transport crude oil from the oilfields to the refineries. The international fleet mans two LPG tankers and one LNG tanker.
Chevron originally gave its ships names beginning with "Chevron," such as the Chevron Washington and Chevron South America, or named them after former or serving Directors of the company such as Samuel Ginn and William E. Crain. A ship named after Condoleezza Rice was renamed Altair Voyager in 2001 after a controversy over whether it was appropriate to name an oil tanker after President George W. Bush’s national security advisor.[12] After the corporate merger with Texaco later in 2001, the entire fleet was renamed; international ships after celestial bodies or constellations (Orion Voyager, Altair Voyager etc) and U.S. ships after states (Washington Voyager, Colorado Voyager etc).
Environmental record
From 1965 to 1993, Texaco participated in a consortium to develop the Lago Agrio oil field in Ecuador. It has been accused of causing extensive environmental damage by these operations, and faces legal claims from both private plaintiffs and the government of Ecuador. The case has been widely publicized by environmental activists. Chevron claims that it is being unfairly targeted as a deep pocket defendant, when the actual responsibility lies with the government and its national oil company.
Chevron’s activities in Richmond, California have been the subject of ongoing controversy. A project there houses over 11 million pounds of toxic materials and has been responsible for over 304 accidents.[13] In 1998, Chevron’s Richmond refineries were forced to pay $540,000 in penalties for illegally bypassing wastewater treatments and failing to notify the public about toxic releases[14] Overall, Chevron is listed as potentially responsible for ninety-five Superfund sites—locations for which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has earmarked funds for cleanup.[15] In October 2003, the state of New Hampshire sued Chevron and other oil companies for using MTBE, a gasoline additive that the attorney general claimed polluted much of the state's water supply.[16]
Chevron’s African operations have also been criticized as environmentally unsound. In 2002, Angola became the first African nation ever to fine a major multinational corporation operating in its own waters when it demanded two million dollars in compensation for oil spills allegedly caused by Chevron’s poor maintenance.[17]
Niger Delta incident
On May 28, 1998, local activists staged a demonstration to demand compensation for the use of their oil-rich land and took several individuals hostage on a private oil platform in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Nigerian police and soldiers were allegedly flown in with Chevron helicopters. Soldiers shot at the activists and subsequently two activists (Jola Ogungbeje and Aroleka Irowaninu) died from their wounds.[18] Chevron described the situation as "a violent occupation of private property by aggressors seeking to extort cash payments from the company."[19]
U.S. District Judge Susan Illston, allowing a lawsuit brought by victims and victims' families against Chevron to proceed, said that there may be evidence that Chevron has hired, supervised, and/or provided transportation to Nigerian military forces known for their "general history of committing abuses."[20] In March 2008, the plaintiffs' lawyers, without explanation, "quietly moved to withdraw half of their claims" against Chevron. [21]
The Nigerian government reportedly depends upon oil production for 80 percent of its revenue. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have condemned the Nigerian government for its reported harsh treatment of environmentalists,[22] and for failing to provide sanitation, a clean water supply and adequate schools for the inhabitants of the regions where the oil is produced.
Accusations of irresponsibility in Cabinda
Although revenue from oil supports the MPLA government in Angola, Chevron has been accused of not fulfilling its community responsibilities in the province of Cabinda, Angola. Chevron's employees live and work in isolated, self-sufficient compounds such as the Malongo terminal, supplying their own services and importing groceries and other commodities duty free from overseas, so that there is little economic impact on local markets and infrastructure. In a survey, Cabindans expressed their concern that the multi-billion dollar oil industry has not improved their daily lives.[23] Bot generated title —>]</ref>
Environmental Policy and Development
Defenders of Chevron’s environmental record point to recent changes in the corporation, particularly its pledge, as of 2004, to combat global warming. [24]
Chevron has taken steps to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and pursue cleaner forms of energy. .[25].[26] In a 2006 study, Ceres, a coalition of institutional investors and environmentalists based in Boston, ranked Chevron highest among U.S. oil companies for investing in alternative energy sources and setting targets for reducing its own emissions. .[27] Chevron is the world's largest producer of geothermal energy, providing enough power for over 7 million homes in Indonesia and the Philippines.[28]
Marketing brands
Fuel
- Chevron
- Standard Oil (in limited circumstances)
- Texaco
- Caltex
- Gulf
- Unocal
Convenience stores
Lubricants
- Delo (sold by Caltex and Chevron)
- Havoline (sold by Caltex and Texaco)
- Revtex (sold by Caltex)
- Ursa (sold by Texaco)
Fuel additives
- Techron - Chevron, Texaco (phased in during 2005), Caltex (phased in during 2006 and later)
- Clean System 3 - Texaco (phased out during 2005 in favor of Techron)
See also
- Jack 2
- General Motors streetcar conspiracy
Notes
- ↑ Quest for clean energy Chevron, PG&E cited for positive steps to combat global warming David R. Baker, San Francisco Chronicle (March 22, 2006) Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ CHEVRON AGREES TO RECORD $7 MILLION ENVIRONMENTAL SETTLEMENT U.S. Department of Justice |(August 23, 2000) Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ Chevron.com Company Profile Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ [ http://www.chevron.com/products/about/ Chevron Products] Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ Chevron claims energy debate BBC News (February 19, 2006.)
- ↑ Chevron leaving San Francisco - Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal:
- ↑ US-Highways.com Standard Oil Today Retrieved December 3, 2008
- ↑ Brandkeys.com Gas Pains The Keyhole: Peeking at 21st Century Brands (May 17, 2007) Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ Chevron.com Natural gas Retrieved Dcember 3, 2008.
- ↑ BBC NEWS | Business | Chevron claims energy debate
- ↑ NREL: Chevron and NREL to Collaborate on Research to Produce Transportation Fuels using Algae National Renewable Energy Laboratory (October 31, 2007) Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ Chevron redubs ship named for Bush aide Carla Marinucci, San Francisco Chronicle (May 5, 2001 ) Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ Environmental Justice Case Study: Richmond, CA Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ CHEVRON RICHMOND REFINERY TO PAY $540,000 ENVIRONMENTAL PENALTY Newsroom, U.S. EPA (October 15, 2998) Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ Co-op America, Responsible Shopper Profile: Chevron Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ Knowmore.org Chevron_Texaco_Corporation Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ | Business | Angola fines Chevron for pollution BBC NEWS (July 1, 2002) Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ DeomcracyNow.com Transcript of Drilling and Killing Documentary Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ PointofLaw.com "Nigerians pull half of claims in Chevron suit". Walter Olson (April 7, 2008 Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ Chevron can be sued for attacks on Nigerians, U.S. judge rules Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle (August 15, 2007) Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ Nigerians pull half of claims in Chevron suit, Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle. (March 12, 2008) Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ Nigeria Human Rights
- ↑ American University, TRADE & ENVIRONMENT DATABASE (TED) Angola: Cabinda The Inventory of Conflict & Environment (ICE) Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ Quest for clean energy Chevron, PG&E cited for positive steps to combat global warming David R. Baker, San Francisco Chronicle (March 22, 2006) Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ CHEVRON AGREES TO RECORD $7 MILLION ENVIRONMENTAL SETTLEMENT U.S. Department of Justice |(August 23, 2000) Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ U.S. Announces Clean Air Agreement with Chevron U.S.A. - Petroleum Refiner to Reduce Air Emissions at Refineries in Four States Environmental Protection Agency (October 16, 2003) Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ Quest for clean energy / Chevron, PG&E cited for positive steps to combat global warming David R. Baker, (San Francisco Chronicle (March 22, 2006) Retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ↑ Geothermal Energy Retrieved December 3, 2008.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Goodman, Amy, and David Goodman. The exception to the rulers: exposing oily politicians, war profiteers, and the media that love them. New York: Hyperion. 2004. ISBN 1401301312
- Houck, John W., and Oliver F. Williams. Is the good corporation dead?: social responsibility in a global economy. Lanham, Md: Rowman & Littlefield. 1996. ISBN 0847682099
- Mattera, Philip. World class business: a guide to the 100 most powerful global corporations. A Henry Holt reference book. New York: H. Holt. 1992. ISBN 0805016813
- Sampson, Anthony. The seven sisters: the great oil companies and the world they shaped. New York: Viking Press. 1975. ISBN 0553234695
External links
All links retrieved December 3, 2008.
General Information
- Chevron Corporate Site
- Chevron Official Site
- Texaco Official Site
- Caltex Official Site
- Unocal Official Site
- ChevronTexaco 125th Anniversary
- Chevron Real Issues Advertising
- Chevron Clean Energy Forum
Criticism
- World Internet News: "Big Oil Looking for a Government Handout," April 2006.
- The Independent, 27 April 2005, "Amazon Pollution: Victims of 'Toxico'"
- Website critical of Chevron's activities in Ecuador
- "US: Chevron donates to Schwarzenegger, gets removal of restrictions on oil refineries in California"
- Nigeria - Human Rights Concerns Amnesty USA website
- Goodman, Amy, Scahill, Jeremy. "Drilling and Killing." The Nation (Nov 16, 1998): 6(1).
- Clean Up Ecuador Campaign [3]
- Free Documentary Film 'Justicia Now!' (www.JusticiaNow.org)
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