California probes ExxonMobil over plastics waste

California's attorney general has subpoenaed ExxonMobil as part of what he called a first-of-its-kind investigation into the petroleum industry for its alleged role in causing a global plastic pollution crisis.

Attorney General Rob Bonta on Thursday said the industry has encouraged the development and use of petroleum-based plastic products, which has sought to minimize public understanding that widespread use of plastics harms the environment and public health and ExxonMobil was subpoenaed as a major source of global plastics pollution and for allegedly deceiving the public.

ExxonMobil did not immediately comment. The American Chemistry Council says US plastic makers are committed to a more sustainable future.