Federal Judge Allows ExxonMobil Lawsuit Against California AG Over Recycling Remarks

Ruling says California Attorney General Rob Bonta cannot claim immunity for comments made in a campaign email to Texas residents.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A federal judge in Texas has ruled that ExxonMobil can proceed with a defamation lawsuit against California Attorney General Rob Bonta over comments he made about the company's plastic recycling efforts. The judge dismissed the lawsuit against environmental groups but allowed it to move forward against Bonta, saying his campaign email to Texas residents crossed the line into political activity not protected by official immunity.

Why it matters

The ruling opens the door for ExxonMobil to challenge statements made by a state attorney general about the company's environmental practices, which could have broader implications for how public officials communicate about corporate behavior. It also highlights the blurred lines between official duties and political campaigning for elected officials.

The details

In September 2024, Bonta sued ExxonMobil, saying the oil giant misled consumers about the recyclability of its plastic products. ExxonMobil then sued Bonta and environmental groups for defamation, arguing the comments harmed its business. The judge dismissed the lawsuit against the environmental groups but allowed it to proceed against Bonta, citing a campaign email he sent to Texas residents that included a link to make political contributions.

  • The lawsuit was filed by ExxonMobil in February 2026.
  • The federal judge in Texas issued the ruling earlier this month (February 2026).

The players

ExxonMobil

A major oil and gas company that was sued by the California Attorney General over its plastic recycling claims.

Rob Bonta

The California Attorney General who was sued by ExxonMobil for defamation over comments he made about the company's plastic recycling efforts.

Michael J. Truncale

The federal judge in the Eastern District of Texas who ruled that ExxonMobil can proceed with its lawsuit against Bonta.

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What they’re saying

“The campaign of lies designed to derail our advanced recycling business must stop.”

— ExxonMobil (wbal.com)

“Exxon Mobil knew, and Exxon Mobil lied.”

— Rob Bonta, California Attorney General (wbal.com)

What’s next

The judge's ruling allows ExxonMobil's defamation lawsuit against Bonta to move forward in federal court.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tensions between state officials and major corporations over environmental claims, and the legal challenges that can arise when public statements cross the line into political campaigning rather than official duties.