But with gasoline prices soaring and concern growing over global warming, Exxon, the biggest of the investor-owned oil companies, is a target for politicians and environmentalists.
With oil prices soaring and concerns about global warming and climate change growing, the pressure is on to find new ways of managing the current and future energy supply.
For example, the now soaring public concerns on genetically modified crops came after the official approval of its commercialization.
Coffee soared on concern that a cold front could bring frost to growing regions of Brazil, the world's largest producer.
The cost of credit default swaps on Countrywide's senior debt, cut to junk status unexpectedly May 2 by Standard & Poor's, soared on concern about the company's ongoing ability to repay.
The 17-quarter rally in home prices stalled amid concern soaring inflation and the global credit crisis would hurt the city's economic growth.
Crime rates soared, and concerns about safety loomed large for many whites who used to frequent the downtown.
Something, though, will have to give as fuel prices soar, as concerns for the environment grow, and we, grudgingly, question our reasons for flying so cheaply.
Even aviation, an industry that long soared above concerns of the urban environment, is being forced to rethink its relationship with the metropolis.
It was also characterized as a possible prelude to more restrictions because of the soaring rates and concerns that inadequate supplies have thwarted this experiment in allowing market forces to determine prices.
"Pandora's soaring debut stokes concerns of new internet bubble," the page-one headline blares.
