Utah Gov. Spencer Cox recently signed HB222, a law that protects fossil fuel companies from being sued for climate-related damages. Under this law, these companies cannot be held responsible for greenhouse gas emissions unless they exceed specific government permits.
This is an admission of guilt by the fossil fuel industry. If the industry were confident that its products don’t cause harm, it wouldn’t need a legal shield. By pushing for this bill, it is avoiding responsibility for the real-world economic, health and environmental impacts from extreme droughts, rising temperatures and severe weather fluctuations.
Prior to this bill, companies would only be liable if it is proven they caused damage. This law skips that proof and offers them a “get out of jail free” card.
It is time to ask our legislators to stop this charade. We all need to face the facts: The fossil fuel industry is admitting its liability through this legislation. The technology for cleaner energy is available now and is already being used. If the government stops protecting polluters, the free market will move us toward a future where our economy, our health and our environment are not threatened by the harm fossil fuel companies are currently causing.
Marc Peterson
Sandy