No, Exxon. Lying is Not Protected Speech

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Exxon is arguing the false climate denial information it put out in the 80s and 90s was protected “free speech. So far the judge disagrees. His maintains if Exxon lied to its shareholders about the risks of climate change, they committed a crime.

Climate Denial Crock of the Week

What Exxon Knew is an ongoing story, currently making its way thru the courts.

Exxon is arguing that the information that it was putting out during the 80s and 90s to muddy the issue of climate science, were part of it’s protected “free speech”, and investigations into its actions by, among others, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, impinge upon Exxon’s constitutional rights.

Judge so far has not been swayed – reminds Exxon that the issue is, if Exxon lied to its shareholders in SEC filings, in regard to the risks to its business model presented by climate change, then that’s a crime.

Inside Climate News:

ExxonMobil drew tough questions and skeptical responses from a federal judge on Thursday as it urged her to shut down two state investigations into whether the oil giant misled investors and the public about climate changerisks. The judge’s inquiries suggested the company had…

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