Short Wave Should Big Oil Pick Up The Climate Change Bill?
Feb 2, 2022
Rebecca Hersher, NPR's climate correspondent, dives into a critical Baltimore lawsuit against major oil and gas companies, which seeks to hold them accountable for local climate change costs. The Fourth Circuit Court is deciding if the case should be tried in state or federal court, with implications for consumer protection laws. Hersher discusses how the outcome could set a precedent for over 20 similar lawsuits across the nation. This courtroom showdown could redefine responsibility for climate change funding.
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Climate Change Costs
- Climate change adaptation is costly, raising the question of financial responsibility.
- Should taxpayers alone bear these costs, or should oil and gas companies contribute?
Baltimore Lawsuit
- Baltimore's lawsuit alleges that fossil fuel companies, including ExxonMobil and Shell, misled the public about the dangers of burning fossil fuels.
- The city argues these companies should share the financial burden of climate change adaptation.
Jurisdictional Battle
- The oil and gas industry prefers federal court, while Baltimore seeks a state court trial.
- This jurisdictional battle hinges on differing legal interpretations and potential outcomes.