Major oil corporations are pursuing sweeping legal protections that would shield them from climate-related lawsuits, following a model established for firearm manufacturers. This campaign comes as communities nationwide seek compensation for damages linked to fossil fuel emissions.
Evidence shows that as early as the 1970s, leading oil companies understood the catastrophic potential of climate change from burning their products. Instead of disclosing these findings, they engaged in a multi-decade misinformation campaign about climate science while resisting the transition to cleaner energy alternatives.
Now, facing numerous lawsuits seeking trillions in damages for climate-related disasters, the industry is mounting a coordinated effort to secure immunity. Utah recently became the first state to enact legislation protecting companies from such climate claims, with similar bills advancing in Iowa, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
"Putting any industry above the law—especially one responsible for creating many of the greenhouse gas emissions that have helped fuel climate-related destruction of homes, businesses and whole communities—would be beyond dangerous," warned Dave Jones, former California insurance commissioner.
The legal battle reached a critical juncture in February when the Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments about whether oil companies can be sued under state law for their role in global warming. The case involves a Colorado lawsuit where Boulder and Boulder County seek compensation from Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy for damages from events like the 2021 Marshall Fire, which destroyed over 1,000 homes.
Simultaneously, fossil fuel interests are lobbying Congress for comprehensive legal immunity that would prevent communities from holding them accountable for climate-linked damages. A Republican representative from Wyoming recently announced she is drafting legislation to establish such protections.
The outcome of these efforts could determine whether dozens of states and municipalities can pursue accountability for climate damages or whether the fossil fuel industry will achieve unprecedented legal protection from the consequences of its products.