I’ve previously noted the Lago Agrio plaintiffs’ efforts to exert pressure on Chevron by seeking an SEC investigation of Chevron’s disclosures to shareholders of the litigation risk it faces. The plaintiffs have increased the pressure by enlisting Representative Janice D. Schakowsky, a Democrat representing Illinois’s Ninth District, to push the SEC to investigate. Representative Schakowsky’s letter to SEC Chair Mary L. Schapiro references the Erion report that the plaintiffs released a few months ago.

Chevron is probably dismayed to have Representative Schakowsky side with the plaintiffs, as she is a member of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Energy and Commerce. On the other hand, she is by reputation one of the most progressive members of Congress, and thus probably not a natural ally of Chevron in any case.

Photo credit: Office of Representative Schakowsky