GOP ups pressure on Dem AGs over Exxon probe

By John Siciliano, John Siciliano

Published June 21, 2016

House Republicans upped their pressure on 17 Democratic state attorneys general Monday who are waging a campaign against Exxon Mobil and conservative groups over climate change.

The coalition of Republicans on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee sent a round of letters to the attorneys general on Monday asking for all communication records and emails between them and climate activists. A similar letter was sent last month.

The House members want to show collaboration between the activists and states to set a political agenda, rather than an investigation based on a real legal argument.

Monday's letters were also used to demonstrate Congress' right to investigate state authorities when they believe the Constitution is being violated.