California Files Lawsuit Against Major Oil Companies for Climate Deception, Seeks Damages

California has filed a lawsuit against ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, BP, ConocoPhillips and the American Petroleum Institute for allegedly deceiving the public about climate change risks.
The lawsuit accuses the companies of knowing about fossil fuel contributions to climate change since the 1960s but engaging in campaigns to downplay the risks.
California is seeking the establishment of a climate abatement fund paid for by the defendants to cover current and future climate change impacts and damages.
The oil companies argue climate policy should be determined by Congress, not the courts, while California officials say the firms should be held accountable.
This lawsuit joins similar legal actions by states and municipalities seeking compensation from the fossil fuel industry over climate deception allegations.