In the latest chapter of the saga regarding ecofascist persecution over global warming, New York Supreme Court Justice Barry Ostrager ordered ExxonMobil and its accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers to provide 40 years-worth of scientific, technical and administrative documents related to the energy company’s internal studies on the impact of fossil fuels on climate change.

Ostrager’s ruling appears to come in response to actions taken by state attorney general Eric Schneiderman, who last year opened an investigation into whether ExxonMobil deliberately misled the public and the government about the true impact of its products on the environment. Because the Left would never mislead about its agenda.

Schneiderman didn’t have any real proof regarding malfeasance by the energy company, but he does have political momentum in the form of a group called Green 20. This climate mafia of sorts is yet another offshoot of the Left’s attempts to shut down debate over climate change by pursuing actual criminal charges against those who disagree with the climate alarmist crowd’s interpretation of data and prescription for policy.

For the ecofascists and their enablers in the judiciary (i.e., the aforementioned Ostrager), actual proof of misdeeds is not necessary to compel ExxonMobil to produce the documents in question. Worse still is that Ostrager’s ruling presents a dangerous precedent, demonstrating that political will alone can drive judicial decisions, with Rule of Law left to twist in the wind.

ExxonMobil and PwC have claimed that any legal action against them should take place in Texas, as that is where the company is headquartered. They also recognize that Texas is friendlier to the relationship between companies and their accounting firms. Unsurprisingly, Ostrager rejected their claim, stating that New York is a perfectly good venue for this case as ExxonMobil also does business there. He stated his belief that ExxonMobil and PwC’s interpretation of Texas business laws is skewed, therefore apparently giving him the right to fleece the company in the Empire State.

ExxonMobil is sure to fight this order. It had better do so unless it wants the government to run roughshod over its rights. The challenge that has been laid down with this case will take some time to wind its way through the courts, so it will be worth watching what happens very closely. More than mere hot air is at stake.