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Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) has been busy showcasing its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) achievements to local media outlets across the country. From water treatment facilities to training, we take a look at these programs in our periodic summary of CSR related news.

The USO says that at the start of 2015 the union has four initial goals for the year, starting with a permanent assembly it is organizing against Haliburton (NYSE:HAL).

High level negotiations between the government and community leaders are rumored to be underway, which could produce a bill that would establish a clearer system for the prior consultation process for mining, energy and infrastructure projects.

The Meta department is home to the lion’s share of oil production in Colombia, which local leaders say make it dependent on the industry and vulnerable to drops in the final price of a barrel. Some are calling for the government to contribute more to agricultural industries to compensate.

A survey of experts and managers involved in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs said that Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) is both the most visible proponent of CSR, and also the most respected.

The USO took to its favorite targets last week: eliminating outsourcing of workers in Ecopetrol and returning the Rubiales field to the NOC.

The Minister of Environment (MinAmbiente) Gabriel Vallejo detailed a plan to offer payments to individuals who desist in illegal forestry and mining activities and instead take care of the environment.

Ecopetrol detailed figures that illustrate the impact that the Barrancabermeja Refinery maintenance work has made on local hiring positions, while Equion says it is the first hydrocarbons company to receive certification for its labor practices. These and other stories in our periodic round up of Company Social Responsibility (CSR) reports.

Colombians will not see a drop in prices at the pump for gasoline and diesel since politicians will tack on excess taxes to compete for lost oil fiscal revenue, which the union says is illegal.

Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) announced hiring trends of its contractors over the last three months, and said that of the nearly 30,000 posts generated, 90% of them went to local labor.