DNC Platform Calls for Justice to Investigate Fossil Fuel Companies

"Platform's authors request federal climate probe into 'allegations of corporate fraud,' while brushing off calls for carbon tax and other strong climate policies."

"The committee drafting a platform for Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party unanimously called on Friday for the Justice Department to investigate fossil fuel companies, such as ExxonMobil Corp., accused of misleading shareholders and the public about the risks of climate change.

At the same time, in a session Friday night, the group brushed off calls by environmental activists for the platform to support several stronger actions to move away from fossil fuels. The policies, favored by Bernie Sanders, include a carbon tax and a ban on fracking.

The effect of the session, one of several forums around the country, was to intensify the partisan heat around criticism of Exxon's climate record, while allowing the Clinton camp to stake out political territory that is not quite so harsh on oil, coal and natural gas companies."

John H. Cushman Jr. reports for InsideClimate News June 26, 2016.