New York accuses Exxon, Shell and BP of 'greenwashing' practices

London (Quantum Commodity Intelligence) – The City of New York has filed a lawsuit in state court against Exxon Mobil (XOM), Shell, BP (BP) and the American Petroleum Institute for allegedly misleading New York consumers about the role their products play in climate change.

In statement on its website, NYC argued that deceptive 'trade practices and greenwashing' violate City's Consumer Protection Law, saying that these practices make them seem more eco-friendly than they are.

"Three of the largest oil and gas companies and their top industry trade association—have systematically and intentionally misled consumers in New York City...about the central role their products play in causing the climate crisis,' the lawsuit states.

"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 NYC's consumer protection law.

"The petroleum industry created a multi-pronged, consistent greenwashing campaign in New York City to convince us of something that wasn't true and was dangerous," de Blasio said.

"By presenting themselves 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."

CNN quoted a spokesperson for ExxonMobil saying 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."