up operations in 2009. It also commended the company for its commitment to research and development in both upstream and downstream operations. Hart noted that the company is making key investments in protecting the environment, which include advanced efforts to remove sulfur from fuels. Al-Dawood emphasized the company's environmental stewardship. “Saudi Aramco's environmental policies were established more than 50 years ago as a testament to the company's strategic objective of minimizing the hydrocarbon footprint on our areas of operations,” he said. “Saudi Aramco is committed to future generations and will continue ground-breaking research for cleaner, more efficient engines and fuels.” Chinese national oil company PetroChina also received an award as the International Refining Company of the Year.
