Photo courtesy of CHARLY TRIBALLEAU ( Getty Images ).Video released Thursday shows that a senior Exxon lobbyist was captured on tape admitting to the company's behind-the scenes campaign to fight regulation on plastics. This tape is the second part of an undercover investigation by Unearthed (the investigative arm Greenpeace UK) and confirms environmentalists' worst fears.AdvertisementUnearthed's reporter disguised himself as a recruiter to find lobbyists for a client. He was able to land Zoom calls from senior Exxon staffers including Keith McCoy, its senior director for federal relations. McCoy acknowledged that Exxon used the same tactics it used previously to derail climate policies as part of its efforts to resist comprehensive plastic regulations at the May meeting.He said it in the video. Climate change was a reality when it first appeared. But, when it did, conversations began to take place to discuss the following: Plastics can't be banned because of heres why. Or you can't recycle because you know.McCoy stated that Exxon had been using these tactics to fight legislative efforts to limit the use of a group chemical compounds collectively called PFAS. These chemicals are extremely toxic and don't easily break down in either the environment or the body. Amazingly, he also admitted that Exxon manufactures products based upon PFAS, including a fire fighting spray, which was previously denied by the company.McCoy stated that the company promotes these issues through trade associations such as the American Chemistry Council and the American Petroleum Institute to avoid being associated with energy giants.If ExxonMobil knew that those chemicals were manufactured by ExxonMobil, and that ExxonMobil used those chemicals, it would be a big deal. It becomes an ExxonMobil chemical and that will only hurt the effort, he stated.Judith Enck, former regional administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and founder of the advocacy group Beyond Plastics, said that she was shocked to see the tape.AdvertisementShe said that she was happy for the public to see the inside of the company. It just confirms what we've known for years: that Exxon and the other fossil fuel companies deceive the public. They want more plastic production despite the health and environmental harm it causes. Although the revelations weren't surprising to me, it was still shocking to hear their plan.Enck spent many years protesting against the fact that as countries abandon oil and gas for renewable energy and encourage electric cars, energy majors are increasing plastic manufacturing to ensure a replacement market. She said that this is the main reason why plastic production in the United States is growing so quickly. According to one estimate, the U.S. production of polyethylene, the most widely used plastic, is expected to rise more than 40% by 2028. Exxon is the largest contributor to plastic waste in the world, according to a new report.AdvertisementShe said that the fossil fuel industry is losing its transportation fuel market and their electricity market. So they have switched to plastic production.McCoy stated that Exxon had been working closely to the American Chemistry Council in order to create model legislation regarding issues related to its plastics businesses. McCoy stated that Exxon used a successful strategy to lobby for a government study on the health effects of PFAS in order to delay legislation.AdvertisementWe got a study and it was passed. That lowered the temperature and there has been very little discussion about PFAS.McCoy did not specify the study, but Enck immediately recognized the strategy. She said that the American Chemistry Council was involved in getting the Save Our Seas Act federally approved. This refers to legislation passed last year. Although the name is appealing, what was the actual purpose of Save Our Seas? Propose to delay legislative action.AdvertisementOne of the most problematic provisions of the Save Our Seas law was the one that directed the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to investigate chemical recycling. This misleading term refers to the toxic process of converting petroleum from plastic through gasification or the application of heat. McCoy stated in the Unearthed video that McCoy was focused on increasing chemical recycling. He specifically mentioned Exxons Baytown's gasification plant. Thirteen states have passed legislation to increase chemical recycling. McCoy's admissions raise doubts about the origins of these bills.Both plastic production and disposal emit hundreds of million of tons of greenhouse gasses, which can cause climate change and damage public health. One dump truck load of plastic a minute also ends up in oceans, where it kills wildlife and causes diseases.AdvertisementOil companies have been invited to participate in international climate negotiations and given a place at the table by world leaders. According to the Unearthed report, Exxon has tried to get the same treatment for plastic regulations and their lobbying has been successful. The world is grappling with plastic pollution and production. Policymakers need to be alert for Exxon's bullshit. They should be shut out of any negotiations.Enck stated that he believes this segment should serve as a wakeup call to lawmakers. It's not surprising that Exxon wants plastic production to continue. But elected officials and regulators must look beyond the curtain and question who their interests are when dealing with trade organizations. It is not the publics, it is certain.
