Photo: Fortune 500
1. In 2008 Chevron has its most profitable year in history, being the second most profitable corporation in the United States.
2. Despite their position in the US economy, they have been the cause of environmental destruction, political conflict, and even wars in countries where they have invested into oil production.
3. Chevron has done more that just a physical investment in oil drilling infrastructure, they have bought into political influence and control at their disposal.
4. They bypass laws that would protect the people and the environment.
5. Chevron exploits the land and lets nothing stand in their way.
As one of the most profitable companies and under a spotlight in the United States, you would think they would be more conscious about their international affairs.
“Chevron buys assurance that government representatives will look the other way as the health of communities and environments around the planet are destroyed” (Censored 2011).
Those who have to live with the consequences of Chevron’s actions have created an Alternative Annual Report for Chevron. This illustrates the impacts that Chevron has had on specific areas around the world.
Even though there is information available about Chevron and their actions around the world, this is a censored story. It just takes some searching. There aren’t any recent publications in the United States mainstream media that directly address the topic, however there are a few that address the underlying issues.
“Chevron buys assurance that government representatives will look the other way as the health of communities and environments around the planet are destroyed” (Censored 2011).
Those who have to live with the consequences of Chevron’s actions have created an Alternative Annual Report for Chevron. This illustrates the impacts that Chevron has had on specific areas around the world.
Even though there is information available about Chevron and their actions around the world, this is a censored story. It just takes some searching. There aren’t any recent publications in the United States mainstream media that directly address the topic, however there are a few that address the underlying issues.
A New York Times article "Report Says Chevron Owes Billions for Ecuadorean Pollution" describes briefly a lawsuit to which Chevron should compensate the country of Ecuador $7 to $16 billion for environmental damage.
The Washington Post reported in the article "Chevron to Pay $1.5 Million Penalty" that Chevron is being fined for leaking pollutants into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California.
Bowoto v Chevron- One specific issue from the past few years, Chevron was accused of collaborating with the Nigerian army to brutally stop a protest on an offshore oil platform. Some of the protesters were shot while others were killed. Chevron denys that this was a peaceful protest, and was eventually cleared of any responsibility. They admit no fault from their description of the situation.
