By outlining different expectations based on the identification of relevant socioeconomic aspects, the Standard ensures that our Upstream activities proactively identify socioeconomic risks and implement timely well-balanced solutions. Community relations Working collaboratively and transparently with local communities is essential to promoting positive long-term relationships and fostering ongoing support for our activities. We make every effort to consult with community stakeholders on a regular basis for the purpose of exchanging information and proactively identifying issues or concerns. By integrating the results of these discussions into our decision-making processes, we can help avoid or reduce our impacts on communities, enhance benefits, avert delays, reduce costs and prevent the escalation of issues. ExxonMobil defines our location-specific community awareness programs and government relations protocols using our Best Practices in External Affairs (BPEA) coupled with ESHIAs and/or Environmental, Social and Health Management Plans (ESHMPs). Our BPEA process is designed to help identify the specific needs, expectations and interests of host communities and aligns those needs Up Close: Community advisory panels in Appalachia Many areas in Appalachia have a long history of energy devel- opment. However, unconventional oil and gas development is still relatively new. Our approach to community relations is grounded in general principles that allow us to tailor our efforts to address the needs of a given community where we live and operate. In order to tailor our approach to local issues, we have developed community advisory panels (CAP) near our operations in areas of Pennsylvania and Ohio. To form a CAP, we partner with community leaders who live and
XTO Energy engineers and geologists explain the steps we take to safeguard the community and the environment and to combat the misinformation about our industry that is prevalent in the media. “There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to community engagement. Every community has its own unique needs and challenges, and we work to maintain an ongoing dialogue with our neighbors, partners and local leaders. By developing strong relationships, we can better understand the needs of our communities and help ensure the work we do is creating a lasting benefit.” Amy Dobkin Community relations manager, XTO Energy Appalachia Division
with our community investment programs. We utilize ESHIAs to identify the actual and potential impacts of a specific project and ways to avoid, reduce or remedy those impacts. Together, BPEA and ESHIAs help build and maintain a positive and transparent relationship in the communities in which we operate. We seek to ensure interested stakeholders are fairly repre- sented as community issues are discussed and decisions are made. Once a project starts, we provide local groups and individuals with communication channels to voice concerns. Our Upstream Socioeconomic Management Standard includes provisions for establishing a systematic and trans- parent grievance management process to address individual and community concerns about a project. When appropriate, dedicated personnel are responsible for developing and managing a process to map, track, analyze and respond to community grievances. Indigenous peoples Our operations sometimes take place in areas inhabited or historically used by indigenous peoples. In locations such as this, we work with indigenous communities to respectfully protect their cultures and customs. work in the areas where we operate — local officials, leaders in education, business community members, emergency and first responders, land and mineral rights owners and local charitable organizations. Recognizing that there is no substitute for face-to-face communication, XTO Energy employees engage regularly with these community leaders to discuss the phases of our operations, including drilling, hydraulic fracturing, production and processing. Additionally, in order to give context to our discussions, we provide site tours to give an up-close look at our operations. We believe that engaging in open dialogue with members of the community is vital to our long-term success in the region. Our regular meetings help us stay in direct contact with the community as we strive to address concerns that arise in real time, and help keep the community up to date about our activities. In addition to providing context to our operations,
Our approach to interacting with indigenous peoples around the world is consistent with the following four guidelines:
• ILO Convention 169 Concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries
• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability
• World Bank Operational Policy and Bank Procedure on Indigenous Peoples
When working with indigenous peoples, one of our key objectives is to determine how they prefer to engage. For example, communities can decide if they want us to meet with elected leaders, community elders or other representatives, and if those engagements are conducted in a public forum, either formal or informal. We empower the communities to establish their preference for how often and how long their members meet with ExxonMobil representatives, and who will provide their viewpoints or represent their wishes.
Community and social impact exxonmobil.com/citizenship
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