California AG subpoenas ExxonMobil in plastics pollution investigation

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a subpoena to ExxonMobil in an investigation into the oil industry’s alleged role in plastic pollution, AP reports.

In a statement, Mr Bonta said the company was “a major source of global plastics pollution,” and alleged that the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries have “aggressively promoted the development of oil-based plastic products and campaigned to minimize the public’s understanding of the harmful consequences of these products.”

The AG’s statement referred to plastic production as a “significant source of greenhouse gas emissions” and said that plastic waste is polluting California waters and injuring the state’s wildlife.

ExxonMobil and the Western Plastics Association, a trade association, did not immediately comment, and the Western State Petroleum Association, another trade association, declined comment, according to AP.

AP does report that the American Chemistry Council, a trade group, put out a statement saying that US “plastic makers are committed to a more sustainable future and have proposed comprehensive and bold actions at the state, federal, and international levels.”

The group said it is in favor of measures like requiring packaging to include at least 30 per cent recycled content and a global agreement to address the issue, AP reports.

More to follow

AP contributed to this report