Energy

Red states seek to shield energy companies from climate lawsuits

Lawsuits against oil, gas and coal-producing companies have tripled since 2015.
Steam billows from a coal-fired power plant Nov. 18, 2021, in Craig, Colo. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

Republican-led states seeking to protect fossil fuel and agriculture industries are advancing legislation to prevent lawsuits over climate change, aiming to counter Democratic-run states’ efforts to hold large greenhouse-gas emitters liable for damages.

Legislation introduced in at least five states — Iowa, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Utah and Tennessee — would block or limit lawsuits seeking damages over emissions of heat-trapping gases.

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