New York City Sues ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and The American Petroleum Institute

New York City has filed a lawsuit in state court against Exxon Mobil , Shell, BP, and the American Petroleum Institute for misleading New York consumers. It misleads the consumers about the role their products play in climate change and for allegedly greenwashing”their practices to make them seem more eco-friendly than they are.

The lawsuit stated that the largest oil and gas companies and their top industry trade association have systematically and intentionally misled consumers in New York City. It played a central role their products play in causing the climate crisis. They have engaged in this deceptive conduct both to compete against growing safer energy options and to distinguish themselves from industry competitors as they vie for consumer dollars.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the lawsuit during a press conference on Thursday, claiming that the companies and the API violated the consumer protection law.The mayor said that the The petroleum industry created a multi-pronged, consistent greenwashing campaign in the City to convince us of something that wasn’t true and was dangerous.  It presented itself as leading the way in the fight against climate change, while every single day, deepening the climate crisis through their actions, that contradiction, that falsehood has to be exposed and more pressure has to be put on this industry.

A spokesperson for ExxonMobil pointed out that New York City recently had another climate lawsuit dismissed and that such actions have no merit and do nothing to advance meaningful efforts that address climate change. We support global efforts from policymakers, companies, and individuals to develop real solutions.