Two California Congressmen believe ExxonMobil violated the law for “failing to disclose truthful information regarding climate change” and asked Attorney General Loretta Lynch to investigate and consider legal retaliation against the company.
In a letter to the Attorney General, Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Los Angeles) and Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Walnut Creek) said Exxon violated numerous laws for “spreading this disinformation campaign”, including the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, known as RICO, consumer protection laws, truth in advertising, public health and shareholder protection, among other laws.
RICO is the same law that was used to fine the tobacco industry for failing to let consumers know the dangers of smoking.
Lieu and DeSaulnier wrote the letter after reading a report in the Los Angeles Times that Exxon’s executives funded climate change research, starting in the 70s, only to sweep it under the rug and deliberately deny its findings.