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Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) is considering joining a United Nations-led initiative that would require disclosing more details of its global methane production, Reuters reported Thursday, which would mark a shift for the company after previously resisting calls for outside reviews of its efforts to cut emissions.
The company reportedly is in discussions to join the Oil & Gas Methane Partnership, an initiative coordinated by the U.N. and comprising nearly 100 companies that pump more than a third of world’s oil and gas.
According to the report, Exxon’s (XOM) interest in joining OGMP may be inspired by its $59.5B purchase of Pioneer Natural Resources, which already is a member.
A shareholder resolution introduced this year called on Exxon (XOM) to join the OGMP to improve its emissions detection and reporting, but failed to pass with just 36% of votes cast.
Exxon (XOM) rivals ConocoPhillips, Occidental Petroleum, EOG Resources and Devon Energy, as well as European peers BP and Shell, are among OGMP’s members.
