Science Committee Seeks to Squash Exxon Investigation
June 18, 2016
A Republican-led congressional committee sought on Friday to assert oversight over inquiries that about 20 states are making into Exxon Mobil and climate change, reiterating demands to know more about state attorneys general’s consultations with environmental groups.
In a letter, some 17 members of Congress and ranking members of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee said they have broad jurisdiction that allows them to review investigations carried out by states. The committee was pushing back against state officials who have said they are not subject to federal oversight.
The standoff is the latest in a high-stakes battle between the world’s largest publicly traded oil company and a coalition of state attorneys general who have said they would go after Exxon in a bid to force congressional action to tackle climate change.
About 20 state officials jointly said in March they would participate in inquiries into whether Exxon executives misled the public by contradicting research from company scientists that spelled out the threats of climate change.
Prior to that March announcement, some state officials met with a range of prominent environmental and investment groups that oppose fossil fuels.
The House committee has complained the inquiries risk stifling free speech and scientific inquiry, and that state officials were coordinating with special interest groups.
The House committee demanded for the second time since May that state officials hand over all records of communications between their offices and outside groups.
“Congress has a responsibility to investigate whether such investigations are having a chilling effect on the free flow of scientific inquiry and debate regarding climate change,” the letter said.
“People should be troubled by any attempt by members of Congress to silence or undercut basic investigatory authority by a state attorney general’s office,” said Cyndi Roy Gonzalez, a spokeswoman for Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. “Our office will not be intimidated by oil industry-backed members of the U.S. House of Representatives.”
Climate Denial Crock of the Week 
June 18, 2016 at 11:19 am
Reblogged this on A Green Road Daily News.
June 18, 2016 at 12:54 pm
Charlie Pierce at the Esquire Magazine has a lively blog. One item caught my eye recently. According to Pierce Exxon has sued the attorneys general on the basis that corporate fraud is protected speech. God Bless America.
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a45894/exxon-climate-change/
June 18, 2016 at 4:19 pm
God Bless America, indeed! Lamer, his committee, the climate change denying Repugnants, and Exxon are like a “Moby Dick” type whale that is near being finished off—-a number of harpoons have been driven home with more coming, and it’s only a matter of time until one hits the lungs and heart and the “whale” starts blowing blood. In the meantime, there is much dashing about and splashing.
These are the VERY SAME Repugnants and fossil fuel fat cats that have been influencing what goes on at the state level with lobbying, dark money, and ALEC initiatives, and screaming about federal government interference and over-regulation. Now they’re screaming that the state AG’s are NOT within their rights in investigating EXXON?—-LMAO!!! Can’t have it both ways, boys. They are on the ropes, and the desperation and outright insanity demonstrated by trying to argue that “corporate fraud is protected speech” proves it.
Let’s hope that ALL the AG’s respond as MA did—–“Our office will not be intimidated by oil industry-backed members of the U.S. House of Representatives.”
Make more popcorn!
June 18, 2016 at 2:20 pm
We don’t want no stinking big government. Unnless we do.
June 18, 2016 at 4:42 pm
Reblogged this on The Most Revolutionary Act and commented:
*
*
Very predictable behavior for Exxon’s congressional lapdogs.
June 18, 2016 at 5:33 pm
So much for state’s rights.
June 18, 2016 at 8:12 pm
“One Nation, under Exxon, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”
June 19, 2016 at 9:35 am
my thought exactly.
“state’s rights” only a slogan when it supports absolute corporate power.