California sues major oil companies, including Exxon Mobil Corporation and shell companysaying they deceived the public for decades while creating or exacerbating local climate disasters.
The civil case, filed in San Francisco Superior Court, also targets BP, ConocoPhillips, Chevron Corporation and American Petroleum Instituteaccording to a spokesman for the attorney general’s office.
The actions include some of the strongest accusations against oil majors as the state grapples with increasingly destructive storms weather events, from raging wildfires to “atmospheric rivers.” The lawsuit alleges that California has invested and will continue to invest billions of dollars to recover from climate disasters.
Shell says litigation is not an appropriate means of addressing climate change.
Shell said in a statement: “We believe the courts are not the right place to address climate change, but smart government policy and action from all sectors are the appropriate way to reach solutions and drive progress.”
The American Petroleum Institute praised the fossil fuel industry for its environmental and green initiatives.
“The industry’s track record over the past two decades shows that the industry has achieved a goal of delivering affordable, reliable U.S. energy to American consumers while dramatically reducing emissions,” said Ryan Meyers, API senior vice president and general counsel, in a statement. and environmental footprint targets.”
Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips and Chevron did not immediately respond to requests for comment. BP declined to comment.
— With assistance from Malathi Nayak
Svlook
