Democratic governors and environmental groups are urging Congress to reject legislation to shield oil and gas majors from climate lawsuits, saying it protects an industry at the expense of taxpayers.
Ten Democratic governors on Monday sent a letter to House and Senate leadership, arguing congressional proposals to grant the industry immunity from suits would restrict the authority of states and local governments to enforce their own laws.
“Congress should be helping to make life more affordable for American families, not helping to protect companies that are profiting off of sky-high gas prices while forcing the costs of their pollution onto taxpayers,” the letter reads.
The missive comes as Republicans in both chambers push to prevent oil and gas companies from being held liable for the burning of their products. Lawmakers introduced federal legislation in April, while several GOP-led states have passed their own restrictions.
