Dec 10, 2019 - Energy & Environment

Exxon prevails over New York in climate change lawsuit

Amy Harder, author of Generate

Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

ExxonMobil won a closely watched fraud lawsuit filed by the New York attorney general alleging the oil giant misled investors on its handling of climate-change costs, a New York judge ruled Tuesday morning.

Why it matters: It’s a key victory for both Exxon and the sector writ large amid years of liberal politicians and environmentalists waging various legal battles trying to exact blame for climate change.

  • Yes, but: Don’t expect this to deter other lawsuits against Big Oil companies on the grounds of climate change, several which are still proceeding under different arguments and lawsuits.

The big picture: The Massachusetts AG recently filed a similar lawsuit and at least Democratic presidential candidates, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, have said they would pursue legal battles against big oil companies related to climate change.

Read the ruling:

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Democrats announce full list of convention speakers

Barack and Michelle Obama at a 2017 Obama Foundation event. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

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Our thought bubble, via Axios' Margaret Talev: It signals how much the Democratic Party is still the party of Barack Obama — and how strongly Biden’s team feels the Obamas can validate his vice presidential choice and energize the party’s base.

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The hard seltzer wars are heating up

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

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Why it matters: The coronavirus pandemic has increased alcohol sales overall and hard seltzers are exploding in popularity and look to have staying power, boasting record high sales in recent weeks.

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Shane Savitsky, Rebecca Falconer
2 hours ago - Health

Why you should be skeptical of Russia's coronavirus vaccine claims

Photo: Alexey Druzhini/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images

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Why it matters: Scientists around the world are skeptical about Russia's claims. There is no published scientific data to back up Putin's claims that Russia has a viable vaccine — or that it produces any sort of immunity without significant side effects.

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