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Big Oil partners with clean energy to advance geothermal energy
Major oil companies are joining forces with startups and scientists to use oil industry technology to accelerate geothermal energy, which could become a key source of clean, on-demand power.
In short:
- Oil companies and startups in Houston are exploring ways to apply oil drilling technology to geothermal energy production.
- The Department of Energy projects geothermal could power 260 million homes by midcentury with the right investments.
- The new Geothermal Energy from Oil and Gas Demonstrated Engineering (GEODE) consortium aims to tackle barriers to scaling geothermal, including financing and technical challenges.
Key quote:
“There’s a lot of technical resources in the oil and gas industry that can be systematically applied to the geothermal sector.”
— Tim Latimer, CEO of Fervo Energy
Why this matters:
Geothermal energy could play a vital role in the shift to renewable energy by providing consistent, zero-carbon electricity. Collaboration between the oil industry and clean energy startups could accelerate breakthroughs needed to overcome current technical and financial obstacles.
Related EHN coverage:
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Climate disaster survivors demand legal action against Big Oil
Survivors of climate disasters are urging federal prosecutors to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in worsening environmental crises.
In short:
- Over 1,000 survivors of wildfires, floods and heat waves have signed a letter to the Department of Justice, calling for criminal charges against oil companies.
- The letter argues that major oil firms knew about the dangers of fossil fuels since the 1950s but instead spread misinformation to protect their interests.
- Efforts to hold these companies accountable include legislative actions and lawsuits from multiple states and cities.
Key quote:
"We are tired of being resilient."
— Roishetta Ozane, activist, The Vessel Project
Why this matters:
As climate disasters worsen, holding accountable those who knowingly contributed to these crises is critical for justice. Without action, communities may continue to face devastating losses while those responsible remain unchallenged.
Related: Fossil fuels and petrochemicals may be making us sicker, research says
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Fossil fuel industry spreads misinformation to hinder global shift to renewable energy
Fossil fuel companies are actively spreading misinformation to delay the global shift to renewable energy, according to the UN, which warns that such tactics are creating a false perception of backlash against climate policies.
In short:
- The UN states that fossil fuel companies are misleading the public to slow down the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
- A global survey shows that 72% of people support a quick transition to renewable energy, despite claims of resistance.
- The UN urges countries to develop transparent national plans for emissions reductions and involve diverse societal groups in their formation.
Key quote:
“There is this prevailing narrative—and a lot of it is being pushed by the fossil fuel industry and their enablers—that climate action is too difficult, it’s too expensive.”
— Selwin Hart, UN assistant secretary-general
Why this matters:
Fossil fuel companies’ misinformation campaigns undermine efforts to combat climate change. By delaying action, these tactics contribute to worsening climate impacts that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, increasing the urgency for accurate information and decisive policy action.
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Oil industry drops effort to repeal California's neighborhood drilling law
The oil industry has withdrawn its $40 million campaign against a California law protecting communities from oil drilling, but may challenge the measure in court.
In short:
- California’s Senate Bill 1137, signed in 2022, bans new oil wells within 3,200 feet of sensitive sites like homes and schools and tightens oversight of existing wells.
- Research has shown that Black and Latino and low-income Californians are most likely to be living near oil and gas wells.
- The oil industry spent over $60 million on lobbying and campaigning to overturn the law, but withdrew their referendum efforts after facing strong opposition from communities.
- Grassroots activists and legislators remain vigilant as the oil industry might pursue legal challenges against the law, arguing violations of private property laws.
Key quote:
“I think the fossil fuel industry saw that power, the power of that organizing and that momentum. And I think they knew it was a losing battle.”
— Luis Martinez, campaigns organizer with the nonprofit Fossil Free California.
Why this matters:
Neighborhood oil drilling exposes residents, especially in low-income and minority communities, to harmful chemicals linked to cancer and respiratory issues. This law, a cornerstone of California's aggressive environmental policies, seeks to create safer distances between oil drilling sites and residential areas, schools and other sensitive locations. For many Californians, especially those in lower-income and predominantly minority neighborhoods, this is a long-awaited step towards reducing health risks such as respiratory problems and other pollution-related ailments.
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Big Oil could face murder charges over extreme-heat deaths
Advocates push for criminal prosecution of fossil fuel companies, citing over 400 heat-related deaths in Arizona.
In short:
- The consumer advocacy nonprofit Public Citizen released a model prosecution memo urging criminal charges against major oil companies for heat-related deaths.
- The memo targets nine companies, arguing their actions contribute to climate change and extreme weather.
- Legal experts say 403 deaths from Maricopa County's heat wave meet criteria for reckless manslaughter or second-degree murder.
Key quote:
"These climate disasters are the specific result of decisions and actions that were made by particular actors (...)These heat deaths might be more than just tragedies, but actually crimes."
— Aaron Regunberg, senior policy counsel, Public Citizen and co-author of the memo.
Why this matters:
Extreme heat waves are becoming deadlier due to climate change driven by fossil fuel emissions. The push for legal action highlights a growing frustration among environmental and health advocates who argue that fossil fuel companies have long known about the impacts of their activities on the climate.
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Big oil companies fail climate goals and profit from war
Oil majors are falling short of Paris Agreement climate targets while benefiting from global conflicts, a new report reveals.
In short:
- Eight major oil companies are using 30% of the remaining carbon budget for limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
- These companies plan to increase oil and gas production, leading to a projected temperature rise of over 2.4°C.
- They are also implicated in fueling military conflicts, particularly by supplying crude oil to Israel amid its war crimes allegations.
Key quote:
“If an oil and gas company were serious about transitioning its business model, the first step would be ending all new production and then setting a Paris-aligned phaseout plan.”
— David Tong, global industry campaign manager at Oil Change International
Why this matters:
As geopolitical tensions drive up energy prices, oil majors are reaping substantial profits. The windfall from conflicts, such as the ongoing strife in Ukraine, has filled the coffers of these companies, enabling them to report record earnings. This financial boon contrasts sharply with their lagging progress on emissions reductions and investment in sustainable energy sources.
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Supreme Court pressured by far-right groups to protect big oil
A campaign led by far-right fossil fuel allies is urging the Supreme Court to shield oil companies from lawsuits seeking billions in climate damages.
In short:
- Allies of Leonard Leo, who helped select Trump’s Supreme Court nominees, are pressuring the court to dismiss state-led climate lawsuits against big oil.
- The Supreme Court is reviewing a petition from oil companies to overturn a Hawaii ruling allowing a climate case to proceed.
- The campaign includes opinion pieces and briefs from conservative groups and Republican state attorneys general.
Key quote:
“I have never, ever seen this kind of overt political campaign to influence the court like this.”
— Patrick Parenteau, professor at Vermont Law School
Why this matters:
The push to dismiss these climate lawsuits highlights the significant influence of right-wing networks on the judiciary. If successful, it could undermine efforts to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in climate change.
Related EHN coverage:
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