http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/06/science/exxon-mobil-under-investigation-in-new-york-over-climate-statements.html

News out of New York: State Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has issued a subpoena to Exxon Mobil in regards to an investigation as to whether or not the energy giant lied to both investors and the public at large regarding climate change.

This signals a massive shift in public policy towards the energy giants, as in the recent past, favorable outcomes for fossil fuel oriented businesses have been rendered in lawsuits, criminal proceedings, and even with politicians at large. Just recently, in my home state of New Jersey, Governor Christie has used a settlement met with Exxon (roughly around 225$ million dollars) as a boasting point on the campaign trail; but, as many scientific and environmental scholars can attest to, this was actually a concession to Exxon, and not nearly the win that it has made it out to be by the Christie camp.

These small steps, a subpoena and court proceedings, are the first steps towards changing the public perception of climate change. It is no advertised fact that many of the companies who rely heavily on fossil fuels saw their research and development numbers equate to 90% of funding towards fossil fuels, and 10% towards investment in new renewable energy methods. A step in the right direction for the government indeed.