Utah Reps side with oil profits over people again

The Utah legislature passed a bill this session to prevent big oil companies from being held liable for the damaging effects their business has had on local communities, like right here in Utah. In fact, we were the first state to pass a law shielding companies from lawsuits. 

Despite the scientific consensus that fossil fuels are propelling climate crisis’ like intense and prolonged wildfire seasons, and severe droughts, the companies responsible will not have to pay the price in Utah. 

Dr. Brian Moench told Exxon Knews, the oil industry “made an unbelievable fortune at the expense of everyone else, and they’ve known that for 50 years. Now, from the state’s worsening drought to its more frequent and devastating wildfires, there’s a significant, desperate need for economic resources to try and stem this tide.”

HB 222 made it significantly more difficult to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for the damage their work and their negligence has caused. It is well documented these companies knew the potential harm long before they began taking measures to reduce pollution and climate impacts. Companies often don’t take action until forced.

There is hope, and it comes in the form of lawsuit. “Utah’s law could be challenged under the state’s constitution, said Andrew Welle of Our Children’s Trust, the lead counsel on a climate lawsuit brought by youth plaintiffs in Utah against the state government. Like many other states across the country, Utah’s constitution has an Open Courts Clause, which would ensure public access to the courts to redress injury or harm. “I think that this legislation may very well cross the line,” Welle said.”

UPHE will continue fighting to hold industry polluters accountable, and advocate for policies that protect our communities, the air we breathe, and our overall environment.