On April 22, Earth Day, New York City filed a lawsuit against three major oil companies and the leading industry trade group in state court: Royal Dutch Shell, Exxon Mobil Corp, BP Plc, and the industry group American Petroleum Institute.
The lawsuit argues that the companies “have systematically and intentionally misled consumers” by misrepresenting their fuels as “cleaner” and “emissions-reducing” while not revealing the actual environmental effects. Therefore, falsely advertising themselves as leaders in fighting climate change. “The defendants in our lawsuit have spent millions to persuade consumers that they present a clean, green choice. But they don’t,” argued James Johnson, New York City Corporation Counsel.
The latest lawsuit comes after a federal appeals court earlier this month rejected the city’s previous suit filed in 2018. In that suit, the city tried to hold the oil giants accountable for the costs of the effects of global warming they produce.
Casey Norton, a spokesperson for Exxon, said:
These lawsuits have no merit and do nothing to advance meaningful efforts that address climate change. We support global efforts from policymakers, companies, and individuals to develop real solutions.
While BP declined to comment, API’s chief legal officer Paul Afonso also describes the suit as “meritless.”
A Shell spokeswoman added:
We are disappointed to see the City of New York file yet another climate change lawsuit after the Second Circuit affirmed the dismissal of what is functionally the same suit mere weeks ago. Tackling climate change is a significant challenge the world faces today; it requires smart policy from the government supported by inclusive action from all business sectors, including ours, and from society as a whole. We intend to play a leading, transparent and collaborative role in helping society face this challenge.
Last year, Exxon announced plans to increase its carbon pollution by 17% by 2025, while Shell reached peak emissions in 2018 and peak oil production in 2019.
