California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against ExxonMobil, alleging a decades-long campaign of deception regarding plastic recycling. The lawsuit, filed on September 23, 2024, claims that ExxonMobil misled consumers into believing that single-use plastics could be effectively recycled, despite evidence showing that only about five percent of plastic waste in the U.S. is actually recycled. Bonta seeks to hold ExxonMobil accountable for the costs associated with cleaning up plastic pollution, which could amount to billions of dollars. The company has produced approximately six million tons of plastic annually but has only processed 0.5 percent of that through its so-called 'advanced recycling' methods. Bonta criticized ExxonMobil's marketing of recycling as a 'farce' and 'deceit' [a06800ef].
This lawsuit comes amid increasing scrutiny of ExxonMobil's environmental practices, particularly in light of its recent legal battles with activist investors. ExxonMobil has been involved in a contentious lawsuit against activist groups Arjuna Capital and Follow This, who sought to push for more aggressive greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The lawsuit was dismissed by a federal judge after Arjuna withdrew its proposal, but it highlighted the ongoing tensions between traditional oil companies and environmental advocates [5ff42c03][0db7c9c0].
The California lawsuit adds another layer to the growing criticism of ExxonMobil's environmental record. Critics argue that the oil giant's practices contribute significantly to plastic pollution and undermine efforts to promote sustainable recycling practices. As the state seeks to hold Exxon accountable, this case may set a precedent for how oil companies are regulated in terms of their environmental impact and marketing practices [a06800ef].
In the broader context, the backlash against ExxonMobil's practices reflects a growing demand for corporate accountability in addressing climate change and environmental degradation. Investors and stakeholders are increasingly calling for transparency and action from companies regarding their environmental impact, which could reshape the future of corporate governance in the oil and gas industry [7fed6727].