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Oklahoma officials, others dispute California climate claim

FILE - In this May 4, 2017 file photo, Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter speaks during an interview in his office in Oklahoma City. Hunter, and Oklahoma's insurance commissioner have sent separate letters signed by several state attorneys general, insurance commissioners and one governor asking California's insurance commissioner to stop asking insurance companies to publicly disclose their investments in fossil fuels and to divest from the coal industry. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki File) FILE - In this May 4, 2017 file photo, Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter speaks during an interview in his office in Oklahoma City. Hunter, and Oklahoma's insurance commissioner have sent separate letters signed by several state attorneys general, insurance commissioners and one governor asking California's insurance commissioner to stop asking insurance companies to publicly disclose their investments in fossil fuels and to divest from the coal industry. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki File)

By Associated Press June 21, 2017 1 min read

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Officials from Oklahoma and several other states are asking California’s insurance commissioner to stop pressing companies to publicly disclose fossil fuel investments and divest from the coal industry, saying it only confuses consumers and unnecessarily brings politics into the insurance market.

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones says the investments may be risky due to a move from fossil fuels to renewable energy because of climate change.

Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter said Wednesday he sent a letter signed by 11 other state attorneys general and Kentucky’s governor because Jones’ assertion is wrong, threatens energy and insurance companies and violates the U.S. Constitution.

A similar letter sent by Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak is signed by five other state insurance commissioners.

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Ronayne reported from Sacramento, California.