Attorney General Announces California Will Conclude Exxon Plastics Investigation ‘Within Weeks’

California is set to wrap up its two-year investigation into Exxon and the fossil fuel industry’s involvement in global plastic pollution by this summer, with the possibility of a lawsuit looming over the oil giant. Attorney General Rob Bonta revealed to Reuters on Monday that the state’s probe, which began in April 2022, has been looking into the role of oil and petrochemical companies in exacerbating the worldwide plastic waste crisis.

The investigation, similar to California’s actions on climate change, has focused on uncovering what the industry knew about the issue over the years and how it may have misled the public. Bonta emphasized the documented evidence of Exxon’s deception regarding the non-recyclability of plastic, calling out the company’s alleged cover-up of the truth.

While Exxon has refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation, it previously dismissed the state’s allegations as “meritless” and stated its commitment to improving waste management solutions. The company has been promoting its “advanced recycling” technology, which aims to convert hard-to-recycle plastic into fuel through pyrolysis, as a response to the plastic waste crisis.

Despite Exxon’s efforts in advanced recycling projects, a recent Reuters investigation revealed delays and failures in similar initiatives worldwide. Exxon had partnered with Plastic Energy in 2021 for advanced recycling, but the closure of its facility in France last week raised questions about the technology’s viability.

As California prepares to make a decision on potential legal action against Exxon, the global conversation on plastic pollution continues with the start of negotiations for a treaty in Ottawa. Attorney General Bonta, who had planned to attend the discussions, expressed regret over missing the opportunity to address the issue on an international platform.