California is nearing the end of a two-year investigation into Exxon Mobil on allegations of plastic pollution. According to California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, the state will soon make a decision on whether to sue the oil giant.
Bonta has strongly suggested that a lawsuit is the likely outcome, stating that “the lies and deceit Exxon used to cover up the truth about the non-recyclability of plastic is well documented.”
This announcement comes amid a United Nations meeting where a massive plastics ban is being discussed. The ban aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in oceans and landfills and would be binding for member states if implemented.
Exxon Mobil has been a vocal opponent of this plan, with its head of product solutions, Karen McKee, stating that “the issue is pollution, not plastic.” She argues that limits on plastic production will not effectively address pollution and environmental concerns.
Despite the ongoing California investigation, Exxon Mobil has declined to comment. However, when the probe was launched in 2022, the company maintained that the allegations lacked merit and expressed its commitment to improving plastics recycling.
California alleges that Exxon Mobil has engaged in a “half-century campaign of deception” and perpetuated “myths around recycling.” The issue of recycling is also a focal point of the UN meeting, as previous failures to agree on plastic waste management have hindered global efforts to address the problem.
According to UN data, only 9% of plastics produced worldwide are recycled, with 12% being burned and the majority ending up in landfills and rivers.
