Fossil Fuel Lobbyists Manipulate Clean Energy Policies to Maintain Methane Gas Dominance

Lobbyists in Washington, D.C., are actively advocating for changes to clean energy legislation that may favor the continued use of methane gas. As climate policies evolve to address urgent environmental concerns, these industry representatives seek to influence regulations that could impact the fossil fuel sector’s role in the energy landscape. Stakeholders are working to ensure that new energy laws do not adversely affect the natural gas industry, which they argue is essential for energy reliability and transitioning away from coal. Proponents of methane gas assert that it burns cleaner than other fossil fuels, which can … Read more

Judge Shuts Down Bucks County’s Lawsuit Against Fossil Fuel Giants, Citing Jurisdictional Limits

Bucks County, Pennsylvania — A recent ruling from the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas has dismissed a lawsuit targeting major fossil fuel companies, effectively ending the county’s attempt to hold these corporations accountable for damages linked to climate change. Judge Stephen Corr issued the decision on Friday, halting the county’s pursuit of financial reparations for climate-related impacts. The lawsuit was filed in March 2024, naming companies such as Shell, BP, Chevron, and ExxonMobil, along with the American Petroleum Institute, and accused them of knowing about the harmful effects of their products on the environment. … Read more

New York’s Climate Law Faces Fierce Battles and Steadfast Defenders in the Rally Against Fossil Fuels

Albany, NY — New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), passed in 2019, stands as one of the nation’s most forward-thinking climate initiatives. Despite this, it has encountered significant resistance from proponents of traditional energy sources. With its bold mandate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% before 2050, the legislation not only sets a precedent but also enforces accountability among state officials to meet these critical environmental targets. Earthjustice, an environmental legal advocacy group, has been pivotal in deploying the CLCPA to oppose and shut down polluting gas-powered plants throughout New York. … Read more

Activists Sideline Congress, Employ Courts in Push to Restrict Fossil Fuels

WASHINGTON — With the planet warming and a storm of legal battles swirling, recent lawsuits in state courts have brought into focus a fierce debate over the role of the judiciary in climate change policy. Some activists and local governments argue that, faced with congressional inaction and persistent global emissions, pursuing legal action against oil companies may be an effective route to trigger change. This strategy has drawn criticism from various quarters, who claim it circumvents the democratic process and could saddle U.S. companies with disproportionate blame for global greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change, historically … Read more