A growing threat: Darren Woods on how policy is undermining energy

DOHA, Qatar – At LNG 2026, Chairman and CEO Darren Woods delivered a clear message: reliable energy requires steady investment and practical policy.

Joined on stage by global energy leaders, Darren spoke about the essential role LNG will continue to play in meeting global energy demand. Many regions depend on this affordable, lower-emission fuel to support the growth of their economies. Our long partnership with Qatar is one example of how we support this need through scale and technology.

However, regulatory overreach like we’re seeing in Europe is creating uncertainty. These policies put a very high hurdle on continuing to invest and provide products in Europe. This leads to reduced supply, less stability, and higher costs for consumers.

The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is the leading example of policy that could have critical ramifications for future investments in the region. While the policy has been modified because of our advocacy, it still has extraterritorial requirements that mean, as Darren said, “if you want to do business in Europe, then you have to open your entire portfolio, your entire corporation, up to lawsuits out of Europe.”

A version of this scenario has emerged in Germany. An environmental group is using the country’s supply chain due-diligence law to challenge LNG imports, arguing that “fracked gas” violates environmental standards and should face regulatory consequences. If successful, this kind of legal pressure will likely push utility companies away from long-term contracts, risking future energy security.

To stay competitive, Europe needs to balance its net zero ambition with its practical need for affordable, reliable energy and energy products. Darren emphasized that what European policymakers were “advocating for was wholesale disruption and [to] throw out everything we've – as an industry – built over the last 140 years and try to replace it, almost instantaneously, which was never going to work.”

Future policies should support innovation in emissions reductions and encourage long-term investment in affordable energy supply. LNG plays a central role in that balance. It strengthens energy security while advancing lower-emission progress.

ExxonMobil remains committed to delivering reliable energy across the globe. To continue this work, supportive policy in the regions where we operate is essential. With the right policies in place, we can work to improve energy security and reduce emissions.

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