Exxon’s Legal Fight with California’s Attorney General Gets a New Twist

A Texas federal judge has cleared the way for ExxonMobil to pursue a lawsuit against California’s attorney general, Rob Bonta, over remarks about the company’s plastic‑recycling program.

Key Court Decision

• Judge: Michael J. Truncale
• Ruling: Bonta cannot rely on official immunity for certain statements, including a campaign email sent to Texas residents.
• Reason: The email contained a link encouraging political contributions, turning it into campaign activity rather than an official duty.

Background of the Dispute

• Bonta argued less than five percent of plastics actually become new plastic items, questioning Exxon’s recycling processes.
• ExxonMobil claims its recycling initiatives are legitimate and blames California’s inadequate infrastructure.

Court’s Findings

• Dismissed: Claims against environmental groups.
• Allowed: Lawsuit to proceed against Bonta.
• The judge highlighted the email where Bonta stated, “Exxon Mobil knew, and Exxon Mobil lied,” while warning that only a small fraction of plastic is truly recycled.
• The inclusion of a campaign contribution link made the email a political promotion, outside Bonta’s official responsibilities.

Reactions

• Bonta (Democrat) maintained he was merely informing recipients about his office’s activities, but the judge concluded the political nature negated official immunity.
• ExxonMobil issued a statement condemning what it called “a campaign of lies designed to derail our advanced recycling business.”
  The company insists its recycling initiatives are legitimate.

Current Status

• The attorney general’s office has not yet replied to a request for comment.
• ExxonMobil is moving forward with the lawsuit in federal court.