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ExxonMobil and National Community Action Foundation Partner to Train Workers in Energy Efficiency

Posted on: Wednesday, 4 March 2009, 09:00 CST

Effort Supports the Growth of Community Weatherization Programs

WASHINGTON, March 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- ExxonMobil Corporation and the National Community Action Foundation announced today a new partnership to enhance training programs for the tens of thousands of new workers required to meet the needs of rapidly growing weatherization programs around the country.

ExxonMobil will donate $5 million to the Foundation to support projects that will expand the scale and scope of existing training programs so workers are well-prepared for sustainable careers in the growing fields of energy efficiency and weatherization. ExxonMobil's grant is the largest ever private contribution to community organizations that work with the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program.

"This new partnership is based on our common belief that energy efficiency and economic development go hand in hand," said Rex W. Tillerson, chairman and chief executive officer of ExxonMobil Corporation. "By working together, we can advance our shared goals of protecting the environment, promoting energy efficiency and expanding career opportunities for American workers."

The Foundation will establish a competitive grant program to finance innovative projects that will significantly expand the capacity of weatherization training programs funded through the Weatherization Assistance Program.

The recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act increases funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program. This program, implemented by 900 local community agencies represented by the Foundation, enables low-income Americans to reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.

"Our partnership with ExxonMobil will allow us to leverage the best thinking and most innovative approaches in weatherization training to create a weatherization workforce for the 21st century," said David Bradley, executive director of the Foundation, which works with the Department of Energy, state weatherization offices and community based organizations that deliver weatherization services and train workers.

"Through enhanced training programs, we can prepare workers for new skills and careers while helping families use less energy and save money."

About ExxonMobil Corporation

ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, uses technology and innovation to find better, safer and cleaner ways to provide energy to support development and improved living standards around the world. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of resources, is the largest refiner and marketer of petroleum products and its chemical company is one of the world's largest.

About NCAF

NCAF is the voice of America's Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in Washington. NCAF works with members of Congress, the executive branch and state governments on behalf of the 1100 local organizations in the Community Services Block Grant network to advocate for effective policies and meaningful resources that will address the root causes of poverty. NCAF analyzes national and state legislative and policy proposals and collects, analyzes and disseminates data about programs and investment strategies focused on reducing poverty in low-income communities. NCAF also serves as a liaison between the CAA network, allied national organizations and private sector leaders.

About the Weatherization Assistance Program

Established in 1976, the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program enables low-income families to permanently reduce energy bills by improving energy efficiency in their homes through distribution of funding to all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Native American tribes to support state and local weatherization programs. Since its inception, more than 6.2 million homes have been weatherized. In 2008, the program helped create approximately 21,000 jobs.

SOURCE Exxon Mobil Corporation

Source: PR Newswire

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