Environmental Group Sues California Oil Giants and State Commission Over Deceptive Oil Drilling Plans

California has filed a major lawsuit against Exxon Mobil, Shell, BP, ConocoPhillips, Chevron, and the American Petroleum Institute, accusing them of deceiving the public and causing billions of dollars in damage by downplaying the risks of fossil fuels. The state seeks the creation of an abatement fund to pay for future climate-related disasters. California, being a major producer of oil and gas and experiencing extreme weather events, is a significant legal challenge for the fossil fuel industry. The lawsuit claims that the companies intentionally suppressed information about the dangers of fossil fuels and continued to mislead the public about their commitment to reducing emissions. The state seeks accountability and a fund to cover recovery and mitigation efforts.