New Utah Law Shields Fossil Fuel Firms From Liability for Climate Chaos

Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed new state legislation late last month, making it nearly impossible for residents to hold fossil fuel companies legally accountable for climate damages. The law, HB 222, shields any person or entity from civil or criminal liabilities related to planet-warming emissions unless a court finds a violation of a specific "enforceable limitation" or "express terms of a valid permit." Challengers must also provide "clear and convincing evidence" of direct, unavoidable damage. This move, sponsored by Republican representative Carl Albrecht, is part of a broader push by Big Oil and its political allies for legal immunity, mirroring a model policy called the Energy Freedom Act. Four other red states are considering similar laws, with federal legislation also reportedly in the works.