California Files Lawsuit Against Exxon Mobil for Role in Plastic Pollution

California Files Lawsuit Against Exxon Mobil for Role in Plastic Pollution

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced a lawsuit against oil giant Exxon Mobil for its alleged role in global plastic waste pollution. The lawsuit, filed on Monday, is the culmination of a nearly two-year investigation that concluded Exxon intentionally misled the public about the limitations of recycling.

Exxon’s Alleged Plastic Pollution Deception

According to Bonta, Exxon has been actively creating and exacerbating the plastics pollution crisis through a campaign of deception. The lawsuit specifically cites Exxon’s promotion of its “advanced recycling” technology, which uses pyrolysis to convert hard-to-recycle plastic into fuel. Bonta contends that the slow progress of this technology is evidence of Exxon’s ongoing deception.

California’s Legal Pursuit

The lawsuit seeks to end Exxon’s “deceptive practices” and secure an abatement fund and civil penalties for the harm inflicted by plastics pollution on California. Bonta stated that the lawsuit presents a comprehensive portrayal of Exxon’s decades-long deception and will hold the company accountable for its actions.

Exxon’s Denial of Allegations

Exxon Mobil has rejected the allegations of misleading the public about plastics recycling or climate change. The company maintains that its advanced recycling technology is a valuable solution to the plastic waste problem. Exxon is the world’s largest producer of resins used for single-use plastics, according to a report published last year by the Minderoo Foundation.

Global Plastic Treaty Negotiations

California’s lawsuit comes ahead of the final round of global plastic treaty negotiations, scheduled for later this year in Busan, South Korea. A key issue in these negotiations is whether the treaty should include caps on plastic production, a position opposed by Exxon and the petrochemical industry. The United States has recently expressed support for a treaty focused on global plastic production cuts.

California’s Environmental Concerns

California has a history of environmental activism and has previously probed the oil industry’s alleged efforts to mislead the public about climate change. The state’s latest lawsuit reflects its commitment to combating plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices. The lawsuit aligns with California’s ambitious goals to reduce its plastic waste generation and transition to a more sustainable economy.