“Economic Civil War”: States Push Laws to Shield Oil and Gas Companies From Accountability
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The Bottom Line
Republican-led states are passing laws to shield oil and gas companies from climate change lawsuits.
How This Affects You
These laws could limit legal avenues for communities to seek compensation for climate-related damages and costs.
AI Summary
Republican-led state legislatures are passing laws to shield oil and gas companies from legal claims related to climate change destruction and costs. Fifteen such laws have passed or are debated in 11 states, threatening public accountability tools. A ProPublica investigation found these bills are part of a coordinated effort by groups connected to conservative activist Leonard Leo, who has deployed a $1.6 billion gift through organizations like The 85 Fund. This effort aims to block over 30 significant lawsuits by states, counties, and municipalities accusing fossil fuel companies of misrepresenting risks and seeking to recoup disaster costs. The American Petroleum Institute has made fighting these climate liability lawsuits a top priority for 2026.
What's Being Done
Fifteen such laws have passed or are debated in 11 states, as part of a coordinated effort by groups connected to conservative activist Leonard Leo.
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