Republican lawmakers attempt to shield big oil from climate lawsuits in ‘alarming’ bills
Summary
Republican lawmakers in Congress have introduced bills to protect oil and gas companies from lawsuits and laws that hold them responsible for climate change damage. These proposals would dismiss current legal cases and stop states from passing new laws that require polluters to pay for climate-related harm.Key Facts
- The bills are led by Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming and Senator Ted Cruz of Texas.
- The proposed Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026 would give oil and gas companies broad legal protection from climate-related lawsuits.
- The bills aim to block lawsuits brought by over 70 states and local governments against oil companies for misleading the public on climate risks.
- Some states like New York and Vermont have passed laws requiring major polluters to pay for environmental damage caused by past emissions.
- The legislation would cancel ongoing lawsuits and prevent future state laws that hold polluters financially responsible.
- Critics say the bills would undermine efforts to hold polluters accountable and reduce the ability of states and localities to address climate harms.
- Oil industry lobbying groups support the bills, calling for federal authority over energy policy and opposing what they see as overreach by states.
- Similar laws have been passed recently in Tennessee and Utah aiming to protect oil companies from climate liability.
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