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Cruz, Hageman Push Bill Blocking Climate Suits

4/24/2026

Summary

Cruz Blocks Climate Lawsuits

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) introduced Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026 that would outlaw climate lawsuits against fossil-fuel firms.
The bill defines “qualified liability action” as any climate or energy-penalty suit, limits “energy business” to fossil-fuel companies, and bars them in courts.
It would void polluter-pay laws like New York’s and Vermont’s climate superfunds, dismiss climate cases, and bar citizens from suing fossil-fuel firms for climate harms.

Summary

Supreme Court Review

Supreme Court agreed to review the Boulder lawsuit that lets the case against Exxon Mobil and Suncor proceed.
Utah and Tennessee have enacted fossil-fuel immunity laws while other states consider measures, a push led by activist Leonard Leo.
The Center for Climate Integrity reports lawsuits are filed in 11 states, covering one-quarter of the U.S. population.
Honolulu’s suit seeks billions from Exxon Mobil and Chevron for sea-level rise and intensified storms.

Summary

Meno Warns

Nearly 200 environmental and community groups warned Democratic congressional leaders about an imminent fossil-fuel liability waiver.
Activist Mike Meno urged citizens to pressure representatives, share information, and visit NoimmunityforBigOil.org to block the bill.
A climate-justice podcast episode summarizing the concerns was released on HEATED’s platform and YouTube.
HEATED said a full subscriber-only interview with Meno will appear later this week.
No Democratic lawmakers have publicly responded to the groups’ alarm.

History

Historical Context

The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 established stricter air quality standards, leading to a 33% reduction in emissions by 2019. However, the recent Stop Climate Shakedowns Act aims to limit legal actions against fossil-fuel companies, reflecting ongoing tensions between environmental accountability and industry interests. This trend raises significant concerns for climate justice and public health as communities confront climate change impacts.

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Cruz Blocks Climate Lawsuits

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) introduced Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026 that would outlaw climate lawsuits against fossil-fuel firms.
The bill defines “qualified liability action” as any climate or energy-penalty suit, limits “energy business” to fossil-fuel companies, and bars them in courts.
It would void polluter-pay laws like New York’s and Vermont’s climate superfunds, dismiss climate cases, and bar citizens from suing fossil-fuel firms for climate harms.

1 / 4