The New York and Massachusetts attorneys general are refusing to comply with congressional subpoenas seeking records about their investigations into whether Exxon Mobil misled investors about man-made climate change.
In an escalating political fight over global warming, House Science Committee Chairman Lamar Smith is pursuing records from NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and MA Attorney General Maura Healey, along with nine environmental, scientific and philanthropic organizations.
In a letter Tuesday, Schneiderman's lawyer called the July 13 subpoena "an unprecedented effort" bringing them "closer to a protracted, unnecessary legal confrontation."
Healey's counsel said her subpoena is "an unconstitutional and unwarranted interference with a legitimate ongoing state investigation."
Smith accused them of chilling scientific free speech with their investigations. He said he will use all available committee tools to further his probe.