Advocates Call on California Attorney General, LA District Attorney to Investigate AI Astroturf Campaign - CleanTechnica

Environmental and public health advocates in California are urging Attorney General Rob Bonta and Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman to investigate an AI-driven astroturf campaign that submitted fraudulent public comments opposing Southern California clean air standards. The campaign, reportedly orchestrated using CiviClick, an AI-powered advocacy platform, generated opposition comments falsely attributed to residents without their consent. This manipulation was uncovered when South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) staff verified comments and found several individuals denied submitting them. The incident is part of a broader national trend where AI is used to undermine public participation, particularly in fights over gas infrastructure. The campaign was linked to Matt Klink, a public affairs consultant at California Strategies, a prominent lobbying firm whose clients include Sempra, the parent company of Southern California Gas Company, a key opponent of the clean air standards. Advocates highlight that the defeated standards would have significantly reduced pollution, preventing thousands of premature deaths and asthma cases annually. They emphasize the urgent need for a