Environmental Protection
Producing the energy resources that drive the world’s economy can be, and is, done in harmony with the environment. Industry practices to operate safely and to protect the environment have evolved significantly in the past few decades.
Improvements in technology enable us to conduct many aspects of our operations far more efficiently now than just a decade ago. This efficiency translates to smaller “footprints” (the amount of surface area disturbed), less waste generated, cleaner and safer operations, and greater compatibility with the environment.
Energy companies have developed and implemented sophisticated management systems that spell out the procedures required by employees and contractors to operate safely and to protect the environment. Over the past few years, these management systems have been extended to include social responsibility and ethical considerations. The term sustainable development is often used to balance economic, environmental, and social challenges. To learn more about this balance, see Energy Sustainability .
Energy companies and governments are very sensitive to the effect of development on local communities and the need to enter constructive dialogue with the community. In some areas, companies may drill water wells to provide water both for industry operations and the local community or build clinics to serve the local health needs. A recent report from the United Nations Environmental Program describes many examples of companies investing to improve local roads, access to health care, and education, which benefit the community.
The industry has shown repeatedly that energy production and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive. The energy industry can produce the oil and gas needed to give consumers the freedom and mobility they demand, the warmth and light needed to survive, and still preserve the natural beauty of the environment.
Energy and environmental topics in the news
