Chicago sues BP, Chevron, Exxon & others for lying about climate impacts, seeks damages for severe weather costs & targets industry deception.
February 27, 2024
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Chicago sues BP, Chevron, Exxon & others for lying about climate impacts, seeks damages for severe weather costs & targets industry deception.
Climate change has long impacted the Midwest, particularly the City of Chicago. In a groundbreaking move, Chicago has initiated a lawsuit against five major oil and gas companies: BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Exxon Mobil, and Shell. The city accuses them of misleading the public about the environmental impacts of their products.
The lawsuit, filed by Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration in Cook County Circuit Court, alleges that these companies, along with the American Petroleum Institute, have engaged in deceptive practices. They're accused of discrediting scientific claims about climate change to avoid responsibility for their contributions to global warming.
Chicago's claim extends to accusing the American Petroleum Institute of creating "front groups" like the Global Climate Coalition and the Partnership for a Better Energy Future. These groups purportedly drive fossil fuel demand while undermining climate science.
The lawsuit highlights the dire consequences of unchecked fossil fuel consumption, which exacerbates climate change. Chicago has faced severe weather events, including flooding and extreme heat, with lower-income communities bearing the brunt of the impact. The city has already spent $188 million on climate initiatives and infrastructure adaptations.
Chicago seeks accountability from the fossil fuel industry for knowingly causing environmental damage. The suit includes 11 counts of fraud, conspiracy, nuisance, and negligence, highlighting the industry's awareness of the dangers posed by fossil fuels but choosing to mislead the public about their safety and environmental impact.
The fossil fuel industry has dismissed the lawsuit as politicized and a misuse of taxpayer resources, suggesting that such matters should be handled by Congress. However, Chicago is prepared for a prolonged legal battle, aiming to hold these companies accountable for their role in climate change.
This lawsuit represents a significant step by the City of Chicago to confront the fossil fuel industry's role in climate change. It underscores the city's commitment to environmental justice and the broader fight against global warming, setting a precedent for other municipalities to follow.
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