Exxon’s Reputation Not Blackened, Chairman Claims

Exxon Corp. Chairman Lawrence G. Rawl said he doubts serious harm has been done to his company’s public image since the Alaskan oil spill that has cost nearly $1.3 billion in cleanup bills.

“I think we still have a good image around the world,” Rawl said at a meeting in San Antonio of the Society of Petroleum Engineers late Monday. “People, especially along the Gulf Coast, realize that accidents can happen.”

Rawl said the company has spent $880 million of its own funds and $400 million from insurance companies on the cleanup effort.

“Whether it (will cost) us any more, I don’t know. I don’t think so,” Rawl said.