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The U.S. government is pressing a Texas federal judge to reject Exxon Mobil Corp.'s bid to keep its documents concealed in a contentious case involving $1.8 billion in disputed tax benefits linked to a joint venture with Qatar. In a move on Thursday, authorities argued that Exxon's insistence on secrecy could needlessly complicate proceedings.

Exxon Docs In $1.8B Case Should Be Unsealed : Exxon's Tax Battle with the U.S.

Exxon asserts that it was unjustly denied tax benefits tied to a partnership with Qatar for natural gas production. Previously, the energy behemoth sought to seal courtroom proceedings, citing potential harm to its relationship with Qatar if certain testimony became public. "The approach by ExxonMobil suggests a desire to control the narrative, potentially at the expense of transparency and public scrutiny," the government stated.

Call for Transparency and Order

To ensure an efficient trial and uphold public access, the government urges Exxon to disclose its confidentiality concerns before the trial begins. They propose Exxon outlines specific documents for sealing in pretrial submissions and summary judgment records.