Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ABUDHABI365
2009-04-13 05:15:00
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Cable title:  

EXXONMOBIL PROMOTES CARBON TAX

Tags:  SENV ENRG PREL PGOV AE 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO8091
OO RUEHDE RUEHDH RUEHDIR
DE RUEHAD #0365 1030515
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 130515Z APR 09
FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2350
RHMFISS/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC
INFO RUEHAM/AMEMBASSY AMMAN 0905
RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 000365 

NOFORN
SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP, EEB/ESC/IEC/ENR (MONOSSON) AND OES/EGC (THOMPSON)
DOE FOR ERICKSON
AMMAN FOR ESTH HUB OFFICER (BHALLA)

E.O. 12958: 04/12/2019
TAGS: SENV ENRG PREL PGOV AE
SUBJECT: EXXONMOBIL PROMOTES CARBON TAX

CLASSIFIED BY AMBASSADOR RICHARD G. OLSON FOR REASONS 1.4 B AND D

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 000365

NOFORN
SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP, EEB/ESC/IEC/ENR (MONOSSON) AND OES/EGC (THOMPSON)
DOE FOR ERICKSON
AMMAN FOR ESTH HUB OFFICER (BHALLA)

E.O. 12958: 04/12/2019
TAGS: SENV ENRG PREL PGOV AE
SUBJECT: EXXONMOBIL PROMOTES CARBON TAX

CLASSIFIED BY AMBASSADOR RICHARD G. OLSON FOR REASONS 1.4 B AND D


1. (C/NF) On April 9, ExxonMobil (Al-Khalij) President Frank Kemnetz
and Vice President Michael Perry, accompanied by Exxon Mobil
International Government Relations Manager James Adams, briefed the
Ambassador on ExxonMobil's views on CO2 emission policies. Kemnetz
noted that ExxonMobil Chairman Rex Tillerson has been quite vocal
that the firm prefers a carbon tax over the cap-and-trade system.
Kemnetz argued that cap-and-trade is complex, unpredictable,
cumbersome and expensive, making it difficult for firms to plan
long-term investments. In comparison, ExxonMobil believes the
predictability of a progressive carbon tax would encourage new
investment in carbon reduction technologies.


2. (C) The purpose of Adams' visit to the region was to explain
ExxonMobil's position to regional officials (including those of
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia). Kemnetz said UAE Minister of Energy
Mohammed bin Dhaen Al Hamili had initially balked at a carbon tax
(seeing it as an attempt to penalize OPEC),but had eventually voiced
his support for a free market solution. However, the UAEG is not
actively pursuing a carbon reduction policy at this time.
OLSON