Mon Sep 23 18:18:40 UTC 2024: ## California Sues ExxonMobil Over “Deceptive” Plastic Recycling Claims
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against oil giant ExxonMobil, accusing the company of misleading the public about the effectiveness of plastic recycling. The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court, alleges that ExxonMobil knowingly promoted the myth that recycling is a sustainable solution to the plastic waste crisis while internally acknowledging its limitations.
Bonta claims ExxonMobil has engaged in a decades-long campaign of deception, promoting its “advanced recycling” technology as a solution while knowing it was not technically or economically viable. He cites internal documents showing discussions within plastics industry associations, including ExxonMobil, that acknowledged the limitations of recycling.
“ExxonMobil lied to further its record-breaking profits at the expense of our planet and possibly jeopardizing our health,” said Bonta in a press release. He claims ExxonMobil’s deception has contributed to the growing global plastic waste and pollution crisis, harming the environment and public health.
ExxonMobil has countered the accusations, stating that California officials have known for decades about the inefficiencies in their recycling system and should have acted to address the issue instead of suing the company. They maintain that their advanced recycling technology is effective and point to their processing of over 60 million pounds of plastic waste into usable materials.
The lawsuit seeks a variety of remedies, including an abatement fund to clean up plastic pollution, re-education programs to inform the public about the realities of plastic recycling, research and development into more effective recycling solutions, and the return of profits gained from deceptive practices.
This lawsuit follows a similar one filed last year against ExxonMobil and other oil companies for their role in climate change. It also comes alongside a separate lawsuit filed by environmental organizations including Surfrider Foundation, the Sierra Club, Heal the Bay, and San Francisco Baykeeper, who allege that ExxonMobil violated California nuisance and unfair competition laws by concealing the harms caused by single-use plastics.
Bonta hopes this case will set a precedent for holding corporations accountable for their contributions to environmental problems. He encourages other states and organizations that have been impacted by ExxonMobil’s actions to consider filing similar lawsuits.
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