California sues Exxon Mobil over ‘sham’ of plastics recycling

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a coalition of environmental nonprofits, has filed two lawsuits against Exxon Mobil for its role in the plastic pollution crisis. The lawsuits, not related to climate change, target Exxon Mobil’s deceptive practices regarding plastic sustainability and recycling. The lawsuits claim that Exxon Mobil knew about the limitations of plastics recycling since the 1970s but continued to promote it to justify increased plastic production. The complaints include claims such as destruction of natural resources, false advertising, and unfair competition. The lawsuits also address the failure of plastics recycling, which contributes to aquatic plastic pollution. Exxon Mobil is singled out as the world’s largest producer of polymers used in single-use plastics. The lawsuits seek civil penalties and revenue forfeiture from Exxon Mobil to clean up existing plastic pollution. The attorney general and nonprofits also seek an injunction to stop Exxon Mobil from promoting plastics recycling, calling for transparency and accountability in the industry. The lawsuits have been applauded by environmental groups and may set a precedent for legal action in other jurisdictions.