could be appealed, and only after all the appeals are heard, will the case proceed to the merits. This case is highly relevant to the instant Petition because of the fossil fuel and energy industry associations’ status as intervenor-defendants. Three associations - National Association of Manufacturers, American Fuel and Petroleum Manufacturers, and American Petroleum Institute - sought to intervene in the case on the side of the U.S. government because the associations’ members “would have to substantially overhaul their business and business models to survive in the event plaintiffs prevail.”147 The fossil fuel and energy industry associations were granted the ability to participate in the proceedings and now have the status as intervenor-defendants.148 There is a close relationship between government policies and practices allowing the extraction, sale, and combustion of fossil fuels and the business activities and practices of fossil fuel companies. In these proceedings, the Petitioners are seeking a thorough investigation in Carbon Major Respondents’ business activities and practices. Successful government policies and practices on climate change are contingent on the corporate transparency, cooperation, and leadership in reducing emissions. b.2. Challenging corporate activities concerning climate change b.2.1. Securities Fraud, Consumer Protection, Environmental, and Anti-Racketeering Laws: State Attorneys General investigations into Exxon and potentially others for misleading the public and investors about the threats of climate change In September 2015, InsideClimate News reported that in 1978 a senior Exxon scientist informed managers and other company scientists of the !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2016/04/09/our-childrens-trust-suit-against-us-governmentsurmounts-litigation-hurdle/ (last accessed on Apr. 19, 2016). 147 Juliana v. U.S., supra note 141 at 5. 148 Juliana et. al v. United States of America, Order, 6:15-cv-1517-TC, Jan. 14, 2016, http://www.ourchildrenstrust.org/sites/default/files/16.01.14.OrderGrantingMotiontoIntervene.pdf (last accessed on Apr. 19, 2016). ! ! ! ! ! 55 !