ExxonMobil claims California climate disclosure laws violate First Amendment rights in lawsuit

Core Viewpoint - ExxonMobil has filed a lawsuit against the state of California, claiming that two new climate change laws violate its right to free speech and force the company to adopt the state's perspective on climate change [1][6]. Summary by Relevant Sections Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Eastern District Court for California, asserting that the laws compel ExxonMobil to accept blame for climate change, particularly regarding oil and gas corporations [1][5]. - The company argues that the laws conflict with federal regulations on climate and financial risk disclosures [11]. Specific Laws - One law mandates large companies doing business with the state to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions annually [2]. - The second law requires businesses with over $500 million in state contracts to report biennially on how climate change may impact their operations [2]. Compliance Requirements - Both laws necessitate ExxonMobil's adherence to California's Greenhouse Gas Protocol and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, which the company contends unfairly assigns responsibility for global warming to it [5]. Company Position - ExxonMobil acknowledges the risks associated with climate change and supports efforts to address these risks but maintains that the First Amendment protects it from being compelled to endorse the state's viewpoint [6]. - The company is seeking a court order to prevent the implementation of these laws until 2026 [11].