Federal judge in Texas allows lawsuit against California attorney general over ExxonMobil remarks
ABC News
A federal judge in Texas has ruled that California’s attorney general can face a defamation lawsuit over comments attacking ExxonMobil’s plastics recycling claims
SAN FRANCISCO -- A federal judge in Texas has ruled that ExxonMobil can bring a defamation lawsuit against California’s attorney general over comments about the company’s plastic recycling efforts.
U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale in the Eastern District of Texas said in a ruling earlier this month that California Attorney General Rob Bonta cannot claim official immunity in regards to several statements he made, including one in a campaign email sent to Texas residents.
Bonta sued Exxon in September 2024, saying that the oil giant encouraged consumers to purchase plastics products with the promise that the products would be recycled. He said less than 5% of plastic is recycled into another plastic product, and that recycling processes touted by Exxon don't work. Exxon said the problem is with California's recycling system.
Exxon later sued Bonta in his individual capacity and environmental groups for defamation, saying that the comments harmed current and future business contracts. The lawsuit was filed in Texas, near its principal place of business.
Truncale dismissed the lawsuit against the environmental groups but allowed it to proceed against Bonta.
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