California Gov. Gavin Newsom Files Lawsuit Against Big Oil Companies for Climate Change Harms
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a new lawsuit on Saturday targeting major oil and gas companies, including Exxon Mobil, Shell, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, BP, and the American Petroleum Institute (API). Newsom accused the industry leaders of “misleading the public” about climate change and engaging in a “decades-long campaign of deception” that has caused climate change-related harms in California. The complaint, filed in a San Francisco court, alleges that big oil and gas companies have caused tens of billions of dollars in damage to the state by deceiving the public.
“For more than 50 years, Big Oil has been lying to us — covering up the fact that they’ve long known how dangerous the fossil fuels they produce are for our planet,” said Newsom in a statement. He emphasized that California taxpayers should not have to bear the financial burden of damages caused by wildfires, toxic smoke, heatwaves, and droughts. Newsom called for accountability, stating that California is taking action to hold big polluters responsible and deliver justice to its people.
The lawsuit comes as California seeks the creation of an abatement fund to pay for future damages caused by climate-related disasters in the state. The American Petroleum Institute (API), a trade group representing the industry, responded by stating that climate policy is a matter for Congress to debate and decide, not the court system. The API also highlighted the industry’s efforts in providing affordable and reliable energy while reducing emissions and environmental impact.
Shell, one of the companies named in the lawsuit, expressed support for transitioning to a lower-carbon future but believed that addressing climate change required collaboration and smart policy rather than litigation. Chevron, BP, and Conoco Phillips did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Exxon Mobil could not be reached for comment at the time of reporting.
This legal action adds to the growing number of lawsuits filed against the fossil fuel industry by states and municipalities across the United States, which allege harms from climate impacts, including extreme weather events. Newsom and Bonta stated that California, as the largest geographic area and the largest economy taking on the oil companies in court, was determined to hold them accountable for the climate crisis they have caused.
The outcome of this lawsuit will likely have significant implications for the ongoing debate surrounding climate change, corporate responsibility, and the role of the court system in addressing environmental issues.