ExxonMobil Meets With Environmental Groups, But Won't Discuss Discussions - Reuters

EW YORK, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM.N: Quote, Profile , Research), a longtime opponent of mandatory regulations to combat climate change, met with U.S. environmental groups last month to discuss how the oil behemoth might respond to global warming.

This move was the latest hint that the world's biggest public company could be open to shifting its position of opposing mandatory caps on emissions of heat-trapping gases.

Exxon organized an exclusive meeting with representatives from groups, including Washington environmental research group Worldwatch Institute and New York-based the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, at meetings in Virginia to discuss climate change and human rights.

Exxon spokesman Mark Boudreaux confirmed the company organized the meeting, but said what transpired was confidential. Earlier this week the company said it is meeting in separate talks with representatives from about 20 companies to discuss potential U.S. policy options on reducing heat-trapping emissions.

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