Tillerson Nomination Hands U.S. Global Policy to Big Oil

WASHINGTON - President-elect Donald Trump announced today ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson as his pick to become Secretary of State. Natural Resources Defense Council President Rhea Suh made the following statement.

"Handing over U.S. global policy to Big Oil is an epic mistake. This industry has been near the center of more conflict than any other in modern time; tapping its chief oilman as the nation’s top diplomat sends the wrong message at home and abroad.

"First occupied by Thomas Jefferson, this office must stand for our highest ideals, democratic aspirations and universal values and rights. Cutting oil deals with Vladimir Putin is a far cry from that, and Rex Tillerson should not be Secretary of State.        

"Advancing American interests abroad means working to leave our children a liveable world, not centering U.S. foreign policy around a business model that imperils our future."

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The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 2 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City; Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Chicago; Bozeman, Montana; and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.