California set to conclude investigation into Exxon’s role in plastic pollution

California is nearing the end of a two-year investigation into Exxon and the fossil fuel industry’s involvement in causing global plastic pollution with a decision on potential legal action expected by summer, Reuters reported citing the attorney general. 

The investigation, launched in April 2022, delves into the oil and petrochemical industry’s role in creating and exacerbating the global plastic waste crisis and mirrors similar probes on climate change.

Attorney General Rob Bonta told Reuters that the decision would be based on comprehensive documentation of the lies and deceit Exxon used to cover up the truth about the non-recyclability of plastic.

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Exxon, which previously dismissed the allegation as meritless, has refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigations.

California’s investigation focused on what it had called a “half-century campaign of deception” by fossil fuel companies that perpetuated “myths around recycling.” The investigation further scrutinizes Exxon’s recent promotion of its “advanced recycling” technology, which uses pyrolysis to turn hard-to-recycle plastic into fuel, as its response to the plastic waste crisis.

Bonta labeled the company’s progress as indicative of ongoing deception.

The company currently has one advanced recycling plant and is assessing opportunities in around a dozen advanced recycling projects in the U.S. and abroad. 

A Reuters investigation found that advanced recycling projects worldwide had been beset by numerous delays and failures even as companies touted its success.