The Department of Justice may start an investigation into Exxon Mobil.
Recently, information came to light that proves
Exxon Mobil executives hid data showing a direct correlation between fossil fuels and climate change. They'd been sitting on and concealing the data since 1977!
Now that those late 1970s memos have seen the light of day, two Democratic congressmen are demanding an investigation:
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Los Angeles) and Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Walnut Creek) wrote a letter Wednesday to Atty. Gen. Loretta Lynch asking the Department of Justice whether the company violated the law by “failing to disclose truthful information” regarding climate change.
What did they know and when did they know it? Rep. Ted Lieu and Rep. Mark DeSaulnier would like some answers—under oath:
The congressmen are asking the Department of Justice to investigate whether ExxonMobil violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act known as RICO, as well as consumer protection, truth in advertising, public health, shareholder protection or other laws.
RICO was the same law used to prosecute tobacco companies, which allows a company’s higher-ups to be held responsible for the actions of those they supervise.
“Exxon’s situation is even worse,” said Lieu, comparing the company’s behavior with the tobacco industry. “It was taking advantage of the science … while denying the facts to the public.”
Exxon is already denying the allegations, but stay tuned. This could get ugly.