Business Report: Exxon Mobil's Baton Rouge future

Business Report

ExxonMobil has a big decision to make in early 2019 involving Baton Rouge, and whatever it decides will have major implications for the city’s relationship with the economic giant.

The oil-and-gas behemoth will soon announce whether it’s chosen Baton Rouge as the site of a major expansion project worth up to $1 billion, or another Gulf Coast city, likely one in Texas. The project is part of Exxon’s massive $20 billion Growing the Gulf initiative, and winning it would help Baton Rouge compete for additional investments included in the growth initiative.

But if recent history and recent controversies are any indicator, Baton Rouge’s chances are looking weak.

The backlash Exxon has received regarding ITEP applications, despite following the rules, creates, its officials say, a seemingly unfair and unpredictable business climate.

“By singling out ExxonMobil despite hundreds of other companies filing applications, this group is not only maligning the largest corporate investor of East Baton Rouge Schools, but they are also sending a strong anti-business message to our corporation,” said spokeswoman Stephanie Cargile in December.