A Pennsylvania county takes on the fossil fuel giants over climate damages

Bucks County, Pennsylvania, has filed a lawsuit against major oil and gas companies, accusing them of deceptive practices that exacerbated climate change.

Kiley Bense reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

Bucks County's lawsuit alleges that fossil fuel companies misled the public about the dangers of their products, contributing to climate change.
The county is seeking financial compensation for the damage caused by extreme weather events, including severe flooding and storm surges.
A 2023 study estimated Bucks County might need to spend up to $955 million on climate adaptation for infrastructure by 2040.

Key quote:

“They are desperate to not ever go to trial. That’s the thing they are afraid of.”

— Richard Wiles, the president of the Center for Climate Integrity

Why this matters:

In the latter half of the 20th century, research funded by fossil fuel companies confirmed that carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels was warming the planet. However, instead of acting on these findings to mitigate the impact, some companies embarked on campaigns to sow doubt about climate science and its implications. These efforts included funding scientific research aimed at contradicting the consensus on climate change, creating and supporting organizations that promoted skepticism about global warming, and lobbying against environmental regulation.

Ten years after "ClimateGate," evidence be damned: Climate denial is alive and well.

insideclimatenews.org

A Pennsylvania county takes on the fossil fuel giants over climate damages

Chemical giant, climate skeptics vie for seats on EPA science panel

Nutritionist Marion Nestle weighs in on 'What to Eat Now'

With Trump absent from COP30 talks, the world moves on without U.S.

Podcast: Will we artificially cool the planet?

Fossil fuel lobbyists outnumber all COP30 delegations except Brazil, report says

European Parliament backs diluted 2040 climate targets

Opponents say bill bolstering Ohio's orphan well program is too generous to the oil and gas industry

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.