Massachusetts environmental regulator faces dispute over ExxonMobil records request

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has requested a deadline extension from the Superior Court regarding a legal dispute over missing records. The conflict involves ExxonMobil, which is seeking documents related to how state executive offices intend to comply with CO2 emissions requirements for state fleet passenger vehicles.

The records dispute is part of a long-standing legal battle between Massachusetts and ExxonMobil that began in 2019. That litigation originated from allegations by former Attorney General Maura Healey that the company misled investors and consumers regarding climate-related risks and fossil fuel products.

ExxonMobil alleges that the DEP’s initial search failed to include relevant records and officials, including those from the Commissioner’s Office. While the DEP previously claimed it had provided all responsive records, the agency is now seeking more time for a targeted review, stating it has interpreted the term ‘Executive Office’ more broadly than in its original search.