“California Attorney General Takes on Exxon Mobil in Landmark Lawsuit Over Plastic Pollution Deception”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has taken a groundbreaking step by filing a lawsuit against Exxon Mobil Corp., one of the largest producers of petroleum-based polymers, for allegedly misleading the public about plastic recycling and contributing to environmental damage that has cost the state billions of dollars to clean up.
The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court, seeks to compel Exxon Mobil to end its deceptive practices and establish an abatement fund, disgorgement, and civil penalties for the harm caused by plastics pollution in California. This legal action comes after an investigation launched by Bonta almost two and a half years ago into the role of fossil fuel and petrochemical industries in exacerbating the global plastic waste crisis.
According to Bonta, Exxon Mobil has deceived the public for decades by promoting the idea that plastic recycling could solve the plastic waste and pollution crisis, despite knowing it was not feasible. The lawsuit alleges that the oil company violated state laws related to natural resources, water pollution, false advertising, unfair competition, and nuisance.
The lawsuit is supported by a consortium of environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, Surfrider Foundation, Heal the Bay, and Baykeeper, who are also taking legal action against Exxon Mobil. The goal of the lawsuits is to hold the oil giant accountable for its role in producing products that have contaminated waterways, oceans, and human bodies with microplastics.
The announcement of these lawsuits coincides with efforts by state lawmakers to reduce plastic pollution at its source through legislation such as SB54, the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. This legislation aims to shift the responsibility and cost of plastic pollution from taxpayers and consumers to producers and packagers.
As the plastic industry continues to expand, the production of single-use plastics from fossil fuels is expected to increase, further contributing to environmental contamination and pollution. Environmentalists have praised the legal action against Exxon Mobil as a necessary step in addressing the plastic pollution crisis and holding corporations accountable for their environmental impact.
Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill closing a loophole in a 2014 plastic bag ban, signaling a commitment to reducing plastic waste in California. The fight against plastic pollution is ongoing, with organizations like the Surfrider Foundation and Oceana calling for a reduction in the production of single-use plastics to protect the environment and human health.
The lawsuits against Exxon Mobil represent a significant effort to address the harmful consequences of plastic pollution and hold corporations accountable for their actions. As the state of California continues to push for sustainability and environmental protection, legal actions like these play a crucial role in promoting a cleaner and healthier future for all.