Texas, Alabama Attorneys General Join Exxon's Battle vs. Climate Probe

"Saying the Virgin Islands' racketeering investigation 'appears to be driven by ideology, not law,' states file in support of company in Texas court. "

"The top law enforcement officials of Texas and Alabama are jumping in on the side of ExxonMobil, objecting to a racketeering investigation of the oil giant by the attorney general of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The attorneys general of Texas and Alabama filed notice that they intend to intervene in the case, contending that Virgin Islands Attorney General Claude Walker is abusing his authority. According to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange, Walker overstepped his bounds in opening the investigation that has no legal basis.

In a filing in Texas state court where Exxon sued Walker a month ago, Paxton and Strange said they agreed with Exxon's argument that the investigation violates the company's Constitutional rights. They also said Exxon is correct in arguing that the Virgin Islands' hiring of an outside law firm to handle the probe on a contingency-fee basis is an unconstitutional delegation of prosecutorial power."

David Hasemyer reports for InsideClimate News May 16, 2016.