"Here, the contribution request betrays the email's true nature: a campaign promotion. Campaigning is not within Bonta's scope of employment. The judge pointed to a campaign email Bonta sent to Texas residents saying that only 5% is recycled and the rest ends up in the environment and in our bodies: 'Exxon Mobil knew, and Exxon Mobil lied.'"
"Bonta sued Exxon in September 2024, saying that the oil giant encouraged consumers to purchase plastics products with the promise that the products would be recycled. He said less than 5% of plastic is recycled into another plastic product, and that recycling processes touted by Exxon don't work. Exxon said the problem is with California's recycling system."
"U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale in the Eastern District of Texas said in a ruling earlier this month that California Attorney General Rob Bonta cannot claim official immunity in regards to several statements he made, including one in a campaign email sent to Texas residents."
A federal judge in Texas allowed ExxonMobil to proceed with a defamation lawsuit against California Attorney General Rob Bonta over statements regarding plastic recycling. Bonta had sued ExxonMobil in September 2024, claiming the company misled consumers about plastic recycling effectiveness. ExxonMobil countersued for defamation, alleging the statements harmed business contracts. Judge Michael J. Truncale ruled that Bonta cannot claim official immunity because a campaign contribution link in an email to Texas residents transformed the communication into campaign activity rather than official government business. The judge dismissed claims against environmental groups but allowed the lawsuit against Bonta to proceed. Bonta has filed a notice of appeal.
#defamation-lawsuit #plastic-recycling #official-immunity #campaign-activity #exxonmobil-vs-california-attorney-general
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