The rightwing campaign to control how US judges view the climate crisis
Summary
Rightwing groups are trying to challenge lawsuits by cities and states against big oil companies accused of hiding the dangers of their products. Some law firms argue that fossil fuel-backed groups are trying to influence federal judges by holding seminars that support the oil industry. The debate involves investigations into whether a nonprofit that educates judges about climate science is biased or improperly influencing courts.Key Facts
- Many cities and states have sued big oil companies for hiding the dangers of fossil fuels.
- Rightwing organizations claim lawyers and an environmental nonprofit are trying to sway judges against oil companies.
- Law firms involved in climate lawsuits say fossil fuel groups seek to influence judges through seminars with pro-industry speakers.
- Chris Wright, the current energy secretary and former fracking executive, spoke at judge seminars hosted by fossil fuel-linked groups.
- Republican lawmakers, including Jim Jordan and Darrell Issa, have investigated the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) for allegedly influencing judges improperly.
- Sher Edling, a law firm filing climate lawsuits, denies improper ties with ELI and highlights ELI’s connections to fossil fuel companies.
- Fossil fuel-backed groups fund seminars that provide judicial education supporting industry interests, such as those by the Law and Economics Center.
- The investigation and lawsuits center around how judicial education and influence may affect outcomes in climate-related legal cases.
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