[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 50 (Thursday, March 21, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E331-E332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING AERA ENERGY FOR RECEIVING THE BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE FOUNDATION 
               CORPORATE PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 2019

  Mr. McCARTHY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Aera 
Energy, and President and CEO, Christina Sistrunk, as the recipient of 
the 2019 Bakersfield College Foundation Corporate Philanthropist of the 
Year Award.
  Industry-leading oil and gas producer Aera Energy has displayed its 
commitment to California and the communities in which it operates for 
nearly 100 years. Jointly owned by Shell and ExxonMobil but operated as 
a stand-alone company with its own board and managers, Aera is proudly 
based in Bakersfield, California and in Kern County, one of the largest 
oil-producing regions in the entire country. Innovative approaches to 
engineering, lean processes, and data quality helped Aera become a 
titan of industry--Aera produces about 125,000 barrels of oil and 32 
million cubic feet of natural gas each day, accounting for nearly one-
quarter of California's oil production annually. However, its community 
involvement and philanthropy are what truly sets them apart.
  Aera actively encourages their employees to participate in events and 
causes that strengthen communities, recognizing individual employees 
who go above and beyond in this regard. Through various programs like 
Partnership A.E.R.A. (Achieving Excellence, Rewarding Academics), the 
Community Reading Project, and multiple high school programs, Aera 
employees are heavily involved in the communities where they live and 
work. In addition to these volunteering and mentoring efforts, Aera 
donates to over 100 community organizations each year.
  Bakersfield is fortunate to have a premier oil and gas producer like 
Aera so dedicated to the betterment of its people and community.

[[Page E332]]

Under Mrs. Sistrunk's leadership, I am sure that this will not be the 
last time Aera Energy is honored for its corporate philanthropy, 
generosity, and community involvement. On behalf of California's 23rd 
Congressional District, I want to thank Aera Energy for its countless 
contributions to communities throughout the Central Valley.

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