NYC To Big Oil: We'll See You In Court Over Climate Change

NEW YORK CITY — Earth Day in New York City kicked off with a stark message from Mayor Bill de Blasio to oil companies.

“My message to Big Oil is: New York City will see you in court,” he said Thursday.

De Blasio announced the city will file a consumer protection lawsuit against BP, Exxon and Shell, as well the American Petroleum Institute.

He said those companies engaged in false advertising that downplayed their role in the climate crisis and pollution that affected the health of New Yorkers.

"There's been a consistent effort by the fossil fuel industry to tell us they're making things safe and green when it just isn't true," he said.

The lawsuit itself will be filed in state court.

De Blasio compared it to previous big city lawsuits against Big Tobacco and opioid manufacturers — actions that held those corporations responsible for years of false claims that led to harm.

James Johnson, the city's corporation counsel, said fossil fuel companies deprived New Yorkers of their choice in selecting green alternatives and misrepresented how their products contributed to climate change.

"What we are doing here is focusing on representations made here in New York City to New York City consumers,” he said.