Fossil fuel companies are actively lobbying Congress for legal protections against lawsuits seeking accountability for climate damages, mirroring the gun industry’s sought-after immunity from civil liability. This legislative push echoes the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) enacted in 2005, which fortified firearm manufacturers against litigation stemming from criminal misuse of their products, despite widespread public concern about gun violence.
As fossil fuel firms face growing pressure from states over their role in exacerbating climate-related disasters, advocates warn that granting them similar immunity could set a precedent that limits victims’ access to justice. For instance, states like California and Minnesota pursue claims to recover costs associated with climate change, reinforcing the stakes involved for communities impacted by environmental calamities, emphasizing the need for accountability and reform.
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