On January 7, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear a challenge brought by Exxon Mobile to block an investigation by the Massachusetts Attorney General into whether Exxon Mobile misled consumers and investors about the link between fossil fuels and climate change. At the center of the investigation is a recent decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Court ordering Exxon Mobile to turn over documents sought by the Attorney General as part of her investigation. The request includes documents about Exxon Mobile’s prior knowledge between fossil fuel consumption and climate change.
The Attorney General of New York has also joined in the lawsuit and is pursuing a similar investigation.
Sean W. Martin is a partner in the Chattanooga office of Carr Allison and is the Chair of the Climate Change Task Force of DRI’s Center for Law and Public Policy. He can be reached at swmartin@carrallison.com.