Exxon CEO says he had calls with lawmakers on reconciliation bill

ExxonMobil’s CEO said he personally participated in calls with lawmakers on the Democrats’ spending plan in response to questioning from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.  

The New York Democrat asked CEO Darren Woods whether he had participated in calls with members in the reconciliation and infrastructure negotiation process. 

“I have,” Woods replied. But he said political donations were not discussed during his calls. 

In response to her questioning, Woods also said that his compensation is tied to Exxon’s stock price, but added that it’s based on a number of metrics.

Ocasio-Cortez also chastised the witnesses over climate change, saying, “Some of us actually have to live the future that you all are setting on fire for us.”

Her questions came during a hearing at which Democrats have said they were seeking to hold the companies “accountable” for their contributions to the world’s warming climate. 

They also come after an Exxon lobbyist was caught on tape discussing efforts to influence several members of congress on the reconciliation bill, including saying he talks to Sen. Joe Manchin’s (D-W.Va.) office every week. 

Manchin, a key Senate swing vote, later denied having weekly meetings with the lobbyist. 

His opposition has resulted in at least one key climate program being cut from Democrats’ spending package, which would have incentivized energy companies to move away from fossil fuel use.