House Science Committee Chairman Lamar Smith is harassing state attorneys general investigating ExxonMobil for misleading investors about climate risks. Likewise, attorneys general have the right to consult with experts either publicly or confidentially in the course of their investigations. Echoing the Strange-Paxton argument, their letters charged that the attorneys general and the nonprofits are trying to "silence speech." All state campaign contribution data came from the National Institute on Money in State Politics. Eight other attorneys general who signed the Strange-Paxton letter also enjoy fossil fuel industry support.

Source: Huffington Post July 05, 2016 13:05 UTC