"Beyond What #Exxonknew, Refineries Face Flooding Dangers"

"Exxon Mobil Corp., the giant oil producer that's drawn outrage and a legal investigation for its handling of internal climate change research, may have a lot to lose from a warming planet, at least according to one measure.

Two of Exxon's biggest refineries, in Beaumont and Baytown, Texas, are in low-lying areas that are already prone to flooding, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. And they're in a section of coastline that, projections show, could see faster sea-level rise than Miami Beach, which in turn makes them more vulnerable to routine floods and surges from tropical storms and hurricanes.

Investors and activists have been pressing Exxon for years to disclose more about its financial risks from climate change. Up to now, most of the discussion has centered on whether Exxon and other oil companies will have to write off the value of oil and gas deposits that could be stranded if the world shifts away from fossil fuels."

Mike Lee reports for EnergyWire November 13, 2015.