BP, Shell leaders to face Congress over alleged climate cover-up

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Executives from BP Plc and Royal Dutch Shell Plc are set to testify before a House committee investigating allegations of climate disinformation by oil companies. This hearing, organized by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, follows an investigation into what the committee describes as a long-standing campaign by the fossil fuel industry to mislead the public about the impacts of fossil fuels on global warming. The inquiry has raised concerns about the industry's role in hindering climate action by promoting doubt regarding the dangers of fossil fuels.

BP's U.S. official, Dave Lawler, and Shell's President, Gretchen Watkins, are expected to provide testimony, while Exxon Mobil Corp. and Chevron Corp. may also participate. The committee has requested extensive documentation from these companies, including communications related to climate science and efforts to influence public opinion. The committee expressed deep concern over the fossil fuel industry's profits amid climate change, accusing it of spreading disinformation to protect its interests and prevent necessary actions to combat climate change.