Charleston’s climate lawsuit targets energy companies that judge dismissed

The judge dismissed the City of Charleston’s lawsuit against twenty energy companies on Wednesday, saying the court has no authorization South Carolina The law of litigation is the law of making comprehensive allegations of litigation on climate change.

Judge Roger Young of the South Carolina Common Pleas Court said lawsuits accusing oil and gas companies of negative climate impacts could open the floodgates for lawsuits brought about by any weather activity and could lead to an “unlimited” list of “potential plaintiffs.”

“Many states, counties and municipalities have sued a large group of oil and gas companies to cause climate change-related effects,” Young wrote in an opinion. “If these lawsuits are successful, municipalities, companies and individuals across the country can bring lawsuits for injuries after each weather event. The list of potential plaintiffs is unlimited.”

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The judge’s decision was made out of prejudice, which means that the lawsuit cannot be filed again. But Charleston could appeal the decision.

The city first filed a lawsuit in 2020, accusing energy companies and pipelines of a hassle and not adequately warns of the impact of fossil fuels on the climate. The city said the defendants should owe damages for increased flooding, storm hazards, higher temperatures and ecosystem disruptions.

Environmentalists and Climate change Advocates filed lawsuits nationwide, such as challenging emissions posed by the trucking industry to impose restrictions on fossil fuels and promote alternative forms of energy. Opponents of the efforts praised Young’s decision on Thursday.

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Christopher Mills of Spero Law, a constitutional expert who formerly served as judge Clarence Thomas, said it was “no surprise” to dismiss the lawsuit.

“Judge Young followed a clear national court consensus that these courts have agreed that state tort laws are not the right way to address complex issues of global climate change,” Mills said.

“It would be a shame if the city continues to provide its name to this priceless pursuit of West Coast trial lawyers

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Jason Isaac, CEO of the U.S. Energy Institute, said in a statement that the lawsuit is part of the “ESG-driven” action, referring to references Investment practice Based on the political agenda.

“Courtary weapons should not be blamed on climate change in U.S. energy producers,” Isaac said. “The case is part of a coordinated, ESG-powered campaign that aims to shake energy companies and impose climate policies through litigation rather than legislation. The judge is right.”