Exxon Files to Throw Out NY Subpoena: ExxonMobil cited political conspiracy in its latest attempt to quash a subpoena from New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on whether the oil giant misled investors on climate risk. A new filing with a federal court in Texas seeks to add a complaint against Schneiderman to its existing case against Massachusetts AG Maura Healey. Last week, the judge ordered preliminary discovery into whether Healey acted in “bad faith.” “Exxon will do everything in its power to distract, delay, and avoid any investigation into its actions,” said Eric Soufer, a spokesperson for Schneiderman, in response. (AP, Reuters, InsideClimate News, The Hill, Politico Pro$, Morning Consult, Huffington Post, Bloomberg, Albany Times Union)
Riot Charge Against Amy Goodman Dismissed: A North Dakota judge dismissed the “riot” charges against Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman for her reporting on the Dakota Access pipeline. The criminal complaint, filed by the state prosecutors against Goodman, drew widespread criticism for attacking the freedom of the press. The Dakota Access pipeline itself has drawn nationwide protests for suppressing tribal rights and subverting the country’s action against climate change. Documentary filmmaker Deia Schlosberg was also recently arrested on similar charges. (News: Guardian, Grist, Gothamist, InsideClimate News, ThinkProgress, New York Times $, Fortune, Democracy Now!, Salon, CNN Money, Independent, Color Lines, Mother Jones, NPR. Commentary: LA Times, Michael Hiltzik column $; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Tony Norman column)
September Continues Record Heat Streak: Last month was the hottest September ever recorded, beating 2014’s previous record by 0.004°C. According to new NASA data, temperatures were 1.6°F (0.91°C) above the 1951-1980 average. NASA’s Gavin Schmidt said it “seems locked in” that 2016 will be the hottest year ever with temperatures approximately 1.25°C above the late 19th century average. (News: Climate Central, Mashable, New York Magazine, IB Times $, Independent. Commentary: Discover, Tom Yulsman column; Minnesota Public Radio, Paul Huttner column; ThinkProgress, Joe Romm column) |