While there have been rumblings the past few weeks, months really, about Exxon Mobil and just how much they may or may not have known about the effects of burning fossil fuels and climate change way back since the 1970s, the rumble has become much louder. A joint group of approximately 40 of the leading environmental and social justice groups across the United States have signed a letter demanding an investigation in to the company and its activities over the years to purposefully mislead and lie to the public on the effect of fossil fuels on the planet / climate. The letter and all signatories is posted at 350.org – some of the very recognizable names include Bill McKibben, Michael Brune, Ken Kimmell, Tom Steyer, David Yarnold, Trip Van Noppen, Fred Krupp, representing more well recognized organizations…
We’ll assume that most of the names mean little to average person on the street, more important than name recognition however is the swift, or perhaps timely action taken. More than simply being posted online the letter was delivered to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, and is apparently already under consideration. Pretty swift action. While the various articles presenting commentary have been playing it carefully, the NY Times did make mention of one very serious claim “fraud” as in “Did Exxon Mobil knowingly and fraudulently mis-represent the dangers of fossil fuels…”.
No pun intended when we say this is just the tip of the iceberg and there will be much more to follow in the coming weeks and months and far into 2016.
More Reading And Reference
From The NY Times – Exxon Mobil Accused of Misleading Public on Climate Change.
From Inside Climate News – Exxon: The Road Not Taken.
