"A similar proposal in Utah would block lawsuits over climate-warming emissions, unless a court finds the defendant violated a statute or permit. I think anyone in America who breathes the air around them and also believes in corporate accountability ought to be very concerned about these types of end-runs against accountability, said Jay Inslee, the former governor of Washington state and a former trial attorney."
"Last year, 16 Republican state attorneys general urged the justice department to provide a liability shield for oil companies, while lobbying disclosures show that ConocoPhillips and the American Petroleum Institute pressed Congress on draft legislation to limit climate liability. Lawmakers have also pursued narrower efforts, including a failed attempt to block Washington DC from enforcing consumer protection laws against oil companies, and a Maryland bill last year that would have barred state and local climate lawsuits but never reached a vote."
Oklahoma and Utah lawmakers have proposed bills that would largely bar civil lawsuits against oil companies over their contributions to the climate crisis, unless plaintiffs allege violations of specific environmental or labor laws or courts find statutory or permit violations. The proposals aim to prevent state and local governments and other parties from joining more than 70 climate accountability lawsuits against major oil companies for allegedly misleading the public. Fossil fuel companies and allied political actors are seeking broader liability protections, including national shields, supported by lobbying from ConocoPhillips, the American Petroleum Institute, and Republican attorneys general.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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