California sues ExxonMobil over alleged role in plastic pollution crisis

In a significant legal move, California has filed a lawsuit against ExxonMobil, accusing the oil company of misleading the public about the ongoing plastic pollution crisis. During a press conference on Monday, Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the deceptive practices the company has employed for decades. “ExxonMobil has misled the public into believing that plastic recycling could effectively tackle the plastic waste and pollution crisis, even though they knew this was not a viable solution,” Bonta stated.

This legal action comes amidst increasing public concern over the environmental and climate effects of the plastic industry. Two years ago, Bonta launched an investigation into fossil fuel and petrochemical companies for their role in the escalating global plastics pollution problem. As part of this probe, he issued a subpoena to ExxonMobil and several plastic trade organizations, requesting essential documents.

In May 2024, industry groups attempted to block the subpoena in a U.S. district court, but a federal judge recently dismissed their arguments, ruling that the investigation does not infringe upon First Amendment rights.

A report released in February by the advocacy organization Center for Climate Integrity (CCI) indicated that plastic manufacturers have been aware for years that plastic recycling is neither practical nor cost-effective as a waste management solution, yet they have continued to advocate for it. CCI President Richard Wiles referred to California’s lawsuit as “the most significant legal action to date in the global effort to combat plastic pollution.”

Last year, California also sued Exxon and four other major oil companies, asserting that they perpetuated doubt about climate change while knowing their products contribute to global warming. Numerous other states and municipalities across the U.S. have filed similar legal challenges.

“Exxon has not only deceived the public about the climate impact of its fossil fuel products, but it has also known for years that its plastic products could never be recycled on a large scale,” Wiles noted. “From climate change to plastics, Exxon’s entire business model relies on misinforming the public about the risks its products pose.”

In response, an ExxonMobil spokesperson asserted that the company is dedicated to providing real solutions, including recycling methods for plastic waste that traditional processes fail to address. The spokesperson redirected the focus to California officials, claiming they have long recognized the ineffectiveness of their recycling systems without taking any meaningful action. “Instead of suing us, they could have worked with us to address the issue and reduce plastic waste in landfills,” she stated.

Supporters of the lawsuit, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court, hope it will encourage similar legal actions nationwide. Judith Enck, head of the anti-plastic advocacy group Beyond Plastics and a former senior official with the Environmental Protection Agency, commended Bonta’s leadership. “Attorney General Bonta is paving the way for corporate accountability and a healthier environment. This lawsuit will set an important precedent for others to follow,” she remarked.

Recent polling from CCI and the progressive firm Data for Progress has shown that a majority of American voters, including 54% of Republicans, back legal actions to hold oil and petrochemical companies accountable for their roles in the plastic crisis. Additionally, on Sunday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law banning the distribution of plastic shopping bags.