The dean at the journalism school at Columbia University defended the integrity of reporters investigating what Exxon Mobil scientists knew about climate change.

Journalism graduate students at Columbia started their investigation into Exxon records in early 2014 and then coordinated with the Los Angeles Times. In October, the newspaper wrote Exxon "publicly cast doubt" on the existence of global warming after years of leading climate research.

The debate caught the attention of the New York Attorney General's office, which issued a subpoena to Exxon seeking clarity on the issue. In November, Exxon turned its attention to Columbia, however, questioning the effectiveness of the research.

Steve Coll, dean of the graduate school of journalism, said the project's director, Susanne Rust, is an "accomplished investigative journalist with a background in science and a strong record of environmental and public health work."

Exxon officials said they were concerned about the agenda surrounding the reporting. Ken Cohen, Exxon's vice president of public and government affairs, said the reporting was inaccurate, deliberately misleading and charged "activists" with exploiting the issue. The company said its research widely mirrored the global understanding of climate issues at the time.

Coll stressed the graduate team was tasked with vetting internal research about climate change carried out by energy companies, "including but hardly limited to Exxon Mobil."

"The Times has maintained full editorial control over everything it has published," he added. "The work will continue."

Cohen, meanwhile, said reporters took much of the company's track record on climate issues out of context and largely ignored its work with agencies like the federal Department of Energy and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Coll, in a six-page letter to Exxon, replied that charges of misrepresentation are serious matters for investigative journalists.

"Yet my review of this case has produced no evidence to support your allegation and much to contradict it."

Canadian Oil Sands touts resilience
Calgary, Alberta (UPI) Dec 2, 2015 - Even with oil priced below $50 per barrel, Canadian Oil Sands, a target of a takeover bid, said it will be able to stay in the black under a 2016 budget plan

The company, a majority stakeholder in the giant Syncrude oil sands production facility in Alberta, said it aims to produce at least 35 million barrels of oil next year, about 10 percent higher than the full-year estimate for 2015. Capital expenses are estimated at $220 million.

"Even under a $45 per barrel oil price assumption, the company can fully fund all costs, including capital expenditures and the current dividend," it said in a statement. "Canadian Oil Sands Ltd. offers one of the best ways to benefit from a recovery in oil prices, as its share price has historically demonstrated a 98 percent correlation to crude oil prices."

The company is fighting off a takeover bid from Syncrude minority shareholder Suncor, which unveiled a $3.2 billion move in October. Canadian Oil Sands said the offer, as it stands, grossly undervalues the company.

"The positive implications to the business going forward are just starting to be appreciated and will have lasting value," President and Chief Executive Officer Ryan Kubik said. "Now, our shareholders can capture the value of an improved Syncrude business."

In December 2014, the company said it was forced to cut back on spending because of the low price of oil. Crude oil prices are about 40 percent lower than on this date last year.

There was no statement in response to the company's budget from Suncor. Suncor in November said its production target for 2016 was "slightly reduced" from this year. Canadian Oil Sands said this week it was considering whether to continue as an independent company or aggressively examine "superior offers from other parties."