Social Responsibility

• Policies, Beliefs and Expectations
• Emergency Preparedness
• Governance
• Environmental Stewardship
• Socio-Economic
• Workforce
• Reporting
  • 2010 CSR Report
  • 2009 CSR Report
    • About This Report
    • Marathon-At-A-Glance
    • 2009 CEO's Message
    • CSR in Context
    • Governance, 2009
      • Anti-Corruption
      • Board Independence
      • Business Ethics
      • Political Engagement
      • Shareholder Resolutions
      • Transparency
      • 2009 Issues Report
    • Environmental Stewardship, 2009
    • Socio-Economic, 2009
    • Workforce, 2009
    • 2009 IPIECA/API Index
    • Report Glossary

Political Engagement

Government policies, legislation and regulations affect Marathon's operations and profitability. We promote pro-business public policies that encourage responsible energy development and allow Marathon to build a sustainable business. Our goal is to maintain a Company voice in public debates and to participate in public policy decision-making focused on industry-relevant issues.

Our challenge is to balance our responsibilities to shareholders, employees, business partners and communities with stakeholder expectations. We must be able to operate cost-effectively, add value for shareholders and offer employees competitive compensation and benefits. We also want to preserve our ability to have a positive impact on communities where we operate and to protect the environment.

Engagement with Policymakers 

Government Affairs and business unit personnel meet with U.S. federal and state, Canadian and other policymakers to discuss the challenges Marathon and our industry could face from potential government actions and policies. We work with local groups and industry to develop and propose solutions that address concerns while allowing the Company to operate cost-effectively and competitively.

In 2010, we plan to continue to monitor and help shape U.S. federal and state and Canadian proposals. In addition to tax and budget actions, potential legislation and regulations related to climate change, hydraulic fracturing, resource access, other environmental issues, fuels standards and health care may have significant implications for Marathon. We also will engage international governments and other relevant parties as appropriate on human rights, environmental stewardship and other CSR-related issues.

Public Issues Advocacy Website 

By communicating with elected officials and voting in elections, employees can influence policymaking that affects Marathon, our industry and the general climate for business. We maintain employee awareness on key business issues to allow employees to make informed decisions. In 2009, we created a public issues advocacy program and developed an interactive website that makes information easily accessible to employees and other stakeholders.

Political Contributions

The Marathon Oil Company Employees Political Action Committee (MEPAC) is a vehicle for employees to make voluntary political contributions to candidates for U.S. federal and state elected office. Contributions support responsible energy development and are based solely on a candidate's position on business issues, not social issues.

In 2009, MEPAC donated approximately $270,000 to 125 candidates, political party organizations and political action committees. Marathon made corporate donations totaling $57,250 to 47 candidates, in races where such contributions are allowed. The Public Policy Committee reviews, approves and monitors compliance with the Company's political contributions budget.

MEPAC is registered with the U.S. Federal Election Commission (FEC) and complies with all reporting required of the FEC and state and local laws.