Oil giant says disclosure laws violate free speech rights

"Truly shocking that one of the biggest polluters on the planet would be opposed to transparency," Gallegos said.

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In 2024, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, California Chamber of Commerce, American Farm Bureau Federation and other groups also sued the state over the same laws. Although a judge denied a preliminary injunction from the business groups, the case is proceeding. A trial date is expected in October 2026.

In his 41-page decision, U.S. District Judge Otis Wright II wrote that although the laws do regulate commercial speech, the chamber failed to show they unlawfully restrict 1st Amendment speech.

"Plaintiffs argue they will be irreparably harmed by SBs 253 and 261 because the laws compel speech in violation of the 1st Amendment," the George W. Bush appointee wrote. "As plaintiffs have not demonstrated that the laws violate the 1st Amendment, they have also not shown irreparable harm."

According to the new complaint, the Air Resources Board solicited public input on the rulemaking process but has not yet responded to Exxon Mobil's Sept. 5 letter outlining its disagreements with the proposed reporting methods.