Puerto Rico Files $1-Billion Climate Lawsuit against Oil Companies

image via New Scientist

July 17, 2024, 7:15 PM

• •Puerto Rico is suing the oil and gas industry for at least $1 billion, joining the ranks of more than two dozen cities, counties and states that are seeking compensation for the effects of climate change.
• •The lawsuit claims that despite knowing their products would pollute the island and cause temperatures to warm, Exxon Mobil, BP, Chevron and other companies marketed and promoted oil and gas using unfair and deceptive trade practices.
• •The lawsuit alleges that the companies failed to provide warnings about the environmental risks associated with burning fossil fuels.

Puerto Rico is suing the oil and gas industry for at least $1 billion, alleging that the companies knew about the dangers of their products and that the island is paying the price for climate change. The lawsuit says that Puerto Rico has incurred billions of dollars in costs to clean up climate-fueled disasters, including coastal erosion caused by rising sea levels and more frequent and severe storms. The lawsuit calls for oil companies to contribute to a fund to mitigate environmental damages and strengthen infrastructure against sea level rise and storm damage. Phil Goldberg, special counsel to the Manufacturers' Accountability Project, an initiative of the National Association of Manufacturers, which opposes the climate liability lawsuits, said Puerto Rico's challenge is not going to lead to a solution.

Read original article