“Exxon Mobil is not alone” - other energy companies likely to be investigated
Reaction to last week's news that Exxon is being investigated over whether or not it made adequate climate change impact disclosures grew over the weekend, with industry and legal experts suggesting that the company is unlikely to be singled out, and that legal enquiries into other energy companies will probably follow. Peabody Energy was apparently subpoenaed by the Attorney General's office for similar information two years ago. Climate change activists are hoping that the investigation into Exxon may open the way for tobacco industry-style lawsuits against energy companies, with multi-billion dollar claims for environmental damage.

HOUSTON — The opening of an investigation of Exxon Mobil by the New York attorney general’s office into the company’s record on climate change may well spur legal inquiries into other oil companies, according to legal and climate experts, although successful prosecutions are far from assured.

Many oil companies have funded lobbying efforts and research on climate change, so prosecutors would most likely be able to search through vast amounts of material. The industry has also resisted pressure for years from environmental groups to warn investors of the risks that stricter limits on carbon emissions could have on their businesses, although that appears to be changing.

“Exxon Mobil is not alone,” said Stephen Zamora, a professor at the University of Houston Law Center. “This is not likely to be an isolated matter.”

Energy experts said prosecutors may decide to investigate companies that chose to fund or join organizations that questioned climate science or policies designed to address the problem, such as the Global Climate Coalition and the American Legislative Exchange Council, to see if discrepancies exist between the companies’ public and private statements.