Exxon Mobil Files Lawsuit Against California AG and Environmental Groups Over Recycling Claims
Exxon Mobil, one of the world’s largest oil companies, has filed a lawsuit against California Attorney General Rob Bonta and several environmental groups, accusing them of defamation and disparagement. The lawsuit alleges that the environmental groups, and Bonta as a supporter of the groups, have made false claims about Exxon’s advanced recycling initiatives.
According to the complaint, the attorney general and environmental groups have described Exxon’s technology as a “myth” and a “sham” and have falsely accused the company of being a “liar”. Exxon, on the other hand, argues that its technology is a cutting-edge solution that uses heat to break down difficult-to-recycle plastics to a molecular level.
The lawsuit accuses Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, a law firm, of coordinating the environmental groups’ efforts with the California AG’s office and of having ties to a rival company, Minderoo Foundation, which is controlled by the billionaire founder of Fortescue. The foundation competes with Exxon in the low-carbon solutions and energy transition sectors.
Exxon is seeking undisclosed damages and a retraction of what it calls defamatory statements. A spokesperson for the California Department of Justice dismissed the lawsuit, calling it another attempt by Exxon to deflect attention from its own “unlawful deception”.
The move comes as Exxon continues to face legal and environmental scrutiny over its involvement in climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Last year, Bonta filed a lawsuit against Exxon, accusing the company of decades-long deception about the limitations of recycling.
In a related matter, Exxon had sued activist investors last year after they proposed a shareholder resolution on climate change. A judge later threw out Exxon’s lawsuit.
