· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Guardian or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The Supreme Court has asked the Biden administration to provide its view on a request from the fossil fuel industry to halt litigation that could hold them accountable for climate damages
• This move delays the trial process in lawsuits from cities like Honolulu against oil majors
• The court's decision follows a significant lobbying effort from far-right fossil fuel advocates
🔭 The context: Dozens of cities and states, including Honolulu, have sued oil companies for allegedly hiding the dangers of fossil fuels
• These lawsuits argue that emissions should be a federal issue, not tried in state courts
• Previously, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that Honolulu's case could proceed to trial
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: These lawsuits aim to expose the fossil fuel industry’s alleged deception about climate risks and seek compensation for climate-related damages
• Accountability from major polluters is crucial for climate justice and could influence global climate policy
⏭️ What's next: The Biden administration's Department of Justice now has the opportunity to influence the Supreme Court's decision by supporting the continuation of these trials
• Oil companies may seek to pause similar lawsuits across other states during this delay
💬 One quote: "Big oil companies are fighting desperately to avoid trial...which would expose the evidence of the fossil fuel industry’s climate lies for the entire world to see," said Richard Wiles, president of the Center for Climate Integrity
📈 One stat: In October 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court referred a similar climate accountability case brought by Colorado communities to the Department of Justice, which provided its opinion the following March
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