Did California’s attorney general and several other groups defame Exxon Mobil when they sued the oil giant last year over its role in widespread plastic pollution?
That was the question looming over a recent hearing in federal court in Beaumont, Texas, where Exxon Mobil has countersued Attorney General Rob Bonta of California and the nonprofit groups, accusing them of mounting a conspiracy to destroy its recycling business. Exxon’s aggressive move signaled a sharp escalation by the oil giant as it tries to ward off similar suits in the future.
During the daylong hearing on Aug. 20, lawyers for Mr. Bonta and the nonprofit groups tried to persuade Judge Michael J. Truncale to toss the case, or at least transfer it to California so it could be adjudicated alongside the original lawsuits. The lawyer for Exxon, Michael P. Cash, shot back that the “attack” had been aimed squarely at Texas and the matter should be litigated there.
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