To take a short break from the constant vigilance over who Trump will pick to head up the EPA, DOI and DOE, let’s check in on the #ExxonKnew story.
Massachusetts and New York Attorneys General have been instructed to appear for deposition on December 13 in the Texas court where Exxon brought their defense. Though this may be a good sign for Exxon, the victory may yet be pyrrhic, as this unexpected and rather unusual turn of events could allow for a quick end to Exxon’s attempt to hold ‘em in Texas.
By bringing the AGs in directly, the judge may be looking to cut to the chase and after hearing from the supposed conspirators, quickly rule against the company. After all, it would be a pretty incredible precedent if a judge were to rule it’s acceptable/legal for a company to claim a law enforcement investigation into its potentially illegal activities is actually a conspiracy. Imagine if Volkswagen could have invoked such a precedent to stave off #DieselGate!
For the most part, the Rockefellers seem unfazed by this development. The December issue of the New York Review of Books features a lengthy editorial by Rockefeller Family Fund’s David Kaiser and Lee Wasserman. They walk through the many books, articles and research projects that provide the factual basis for what we know #ExxonKnew.
Whether the investigations will lead to a vindication or condemnation for ExxonMobil remains to be seen. Though their allies continue beating the conspiracy drum, as noted by John Schwartz’s recent NY Times coverage, NY AG Schneiderman presses on, despite what appears to be some foot-dragging. A InsideClimate News story about a CDR report (.pdf) showing Exxon is a climate laggard even among other oil companies notes that Schneiderman has only received 97 documents since the October request.
This is the backdrop for the Dec 13th deposition. Last time, the judge was reportedly harsh on both sides, in his own folksy way, but ultimately “seemed impressed” by the AG’s arguments and less so by Exxon’s.
Hopefully the depositions will put a swift end to Exxon’s “desperate attempt at forum shopping.” Something has to, and it won’t be a lack of money...
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