California lawmakers have rejected a bill that aimed to hold oil and gas companies accountable for damage caused by natural disasters attributed to climate change.
The bill intended to empower victims of natural disasters, such as fires, floods, and hurricanes, to sue fossil fuel companies for harm to themselves or their property if the damage totaled at least $10,000.
The big picture: The proposal surfaced in response to the Los Angeles-area fires that erupted in January, resulting in the destruction of numerous homes and claiming the lives of at least 30 individuals. The bill would have enabled home insurers to also seek damages under the legislation.
- Despite being authored by State Sen. Scott Wiener (D–San Francisco) to address accountability for the impacts of climate change, the Senate Judiciary Committee turned down the bill, with concerns raised about potential impacts on gas prices and job losses in the energy industry.
- Democrats abstained from the vote, leaving open the possibility for reconsideration later in the year.
Go deeper: Wiener refuted claims that the bill would lead to increased gas prices, emphasizing the need to hold the fossil fuel industry responsible for the consequences of climate change. He highlighted that the bill aimed to alleviate the burden on disaster survivors and insurance companies in covering damage costs.
- State Sen. Anna Caballero (D–Merced) expressed doubts about the bill’s effectiveness in prioritizing environmental policy, stating that it might not expedite the rebuilding process for those who lost their homes in recent fires. She raised concerns about the bill potentially fueling litigation instead of fostering efficient home reconstruction in fire-prone areas.
