"Democratic AGs Push Back Against GOP Chairman’s Exxon Probe"

"Twelve Democratic attorneys general want a House chairman to end his investigation into state probes of Exxon Mobil Corp.

In a letter to House Science Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas), the attorneys general said Smith’s subpoena of documents related to states’ Exxon investigations “exceed Congress’ constitutional authority.” They say the subpoenas, which Smith issued to the attorneys general of New York and Massachusetts, should be withdrawn.

'Your interference in our colleagues’ work ignores a 'vital consideration' under our constitutional system of dual sovereignty: the preservation of comity between the federal government and the states,' the letter, led by Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh, said.

Attorneys general from California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington also signed the letter."

Devin Henry reports for The Hill August 15, 2016.