The state of California sued several of the world’s biggest oil companies on Friday, claiming their actions have caused tens of billions of dollars in damage and that they deceived the public by downplaying the risks posed by fossil fuels.
The civil case, filed in superior court in San Francisco, is the latest and most significant lawsuit to target oil, gas and coal companies over their role in causing climate change.
It seeks creation of an abatement fund to pay for the future damages caused by climate related disasters in the state.
The lawsuit targets five companies: Exxon Mobil, Shell, BP, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron, which is headquartered in San Ramon, Calif.
But the California lawsuit immediately becomes one of the most significant legal challenges facing the fossil fuel industry.
Organizations:
Exxon Mobil, Shell, BP, ConocoPhillips, Chevron, Calif, American Petroleum Institute
Locations:
California, San Francisco, San Ramon, Washington