Tag: MultnomahCounty

Oil Industry Opposes Biden Administration’s Climate Nuisance Suit Claims

The oil industry is opposing arguments from the Biden administration’s solicitor general (SG) urging the Supreme Court to reject the sector’s call to overrule a Hawaii court ruling that allows Honolulu’s climate nuisance and fraud case to proceed, arguing that the SG “attempts to throw a wrench in the works, raising a series of purported… Continue reading Oil Industry Opposes Biden Administration’s Climate Nuisance Suit Claims

Multnomah County adds NW Natural to $52 billion lawsuit against fossil fuel companies

Multnomah County’s $52 billion lawsuit against fossil fuel companies over the 2021 heat dome event just added two more defendants to the list — NW Natural and the Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine.

Holding Big Oil Accountable- Interview with THE LEVER

As deaths mount from extreme heat and other climate disasters, legal and scientific experts are joining forces on a bold new tactic: Charging polluters with homicide.

‘Not Caused by an Act of God’: In a Rare Court Action, an Oregon County Seeks to Hold Fossil Fuel Companies Accountable for Extreme Temperatures

When scientific studies showed that the extreme temperatures were caused by heat domes, which experts say are influenced by climate change, county officials didn’t just chalk it up to a random weather occurrence. They started researching the large fossil fuel companies whose emissions are driving the climate crisis—including ExxonMobil, Shell and Chevron—and sued them.

Federal Judge Orders Resumption of Multnomah County’s Climate Accountability Lawsuit in State Court

Multnomah County’s civil claim for damages against the fossil fuel industry is headed back to Oregon Circuit Court. The ruling is an important validation by the Federal court of the County’s position that the County’s claims should be heard in state court. The County sued oil companies for fraud, public nuisance, negligence, and trespass a… Continue reading Federal Judge Orders Resumption of Multnomah County’s Climate Accountability Lawsuit in State Court

How one Oregon county plans to make big oil pay for the 2021 heat dome

In June 2021, Multnomah County, Oregon, experienced the most extreme heat event in its history. A “heat dome” settled over the county, trapping hot air in the region for nearly a week. Over three consecutive days, temperatures in Multnomah reached highs of 108 degrees Fahrenheit, then 112 degrees, and finally 116 degrees. Temperatures in inner… Continue reading How one Oregon county plans to make big oil pay for the 2021 heat dome

Inside the new climate assault on the oil majors

In Multnomah County, Oregon, temperatures reached 42 degrees Celsius, 44.5 degrees and 46.6 degrees over successive days. Before that week began, the county’s record temperature was 41.6 degrees, and its average high temperature was just 21 degrees.  

The Lawyer Suing 17 Fossil Fuel Companies

The Lever speaks with a lawyer suing the fossil fuel industry for its role in a deadly heatwave. On this week’s episode of Lever Time Premium, exclusively for The Lever’s supporting subscribers, Frank Cappello speaks with lawyer Jeffrey B. Simon, who is suing 17 fossil fuel companies for their contribution to a 2021 heatwave that… Continue reading The Lawyer Suing 17 Fossil Fuel Companies

We’re Suing Fossil Fuel Companies for $1.15 Billion

Enormous harm was caused to this community. Millions of dollars were spent as a result of the loss of life, the property damage, the provision of cooling centers, and all the emergency health services that were necessary for a population where 40 percent of the residents don’t have air cooling systems in their home because… Continue reading We’re Suing Fossil Fuel Companies for $1.15 Billion