[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 72 (Thursday, May 13, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S3712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO B.M. ``MACK'' RANKIN, JR.

 Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, today I wish to speak about a 
dear friend whose contributions to the great State of Texas and our 
Nation are most notable.
  B.M. Rankin, Jr., known by his friends as ``Mack,'' is a pioneer in 
the oil and gas industry. More than three decades ago, Rankin and two 
partners, W.K. McWilliams, Jr. and James R. Moffett, founded McMoRan 
Exploration Co., an independent public company engaged in the 
exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas offshore 
in the Gulf of Mexico and onshore in the gulf coast area. Today Rankin 
is the vice chairman of both McMoRan Exploration Co., NYSE, and 
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., NYSE, the world's third-largest 
copper deposit and the single largest gold deposit in the world.
  Rankin's expertise and knowledge of America's energy resources, 
coupled with his leadership and vision for our country's energy needs, 
have transformed public policy in this area.
  For the past 2 years, he has served as the chairman of the U.S. Oil 
and Gas Association. Under his guidance, the association has provided 
the industry with representation in legislative, regulatory and public 
affairs, and it serves as a resource on technical matters. Membership 
in the association represents all segments of the industry, including 
major oil and gas companies, independent oil and gas producers, 
refineries, natural gas and petroleum products transportation and 
distribution companies, natural gas generation companies, and other 
firms and individuals involved in the industry.
  Throughout his career Rankin has been a strong advocate for clarity 
and practicality in the ongoing debate to formulate a responsible 
national energy policy. Because of his steadfast efforts, the oil and 
gas industry plays a leading role in these policy debates and 
deliberations.
  A native of Dallas, Rankin is an active member and generous 
benefactor of a number of local charitable foundations. He has served 
on the Board of Visitors of the University Cancer Foundation of the 
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Hospital Cancer Center and as 
chairman for the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, CLL, Global Research 
Foundation.
  On May 13, 2010, Rankin will step down as chairman of the U.S. Oil 
and Gas Association. On this special occasion I want not only to 
commend Rankin for his lifelong dedication to energy policy but also to 
thank him for his tremendous commitment to our State and 
country.

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