Overview

• On June 5, Greenpeace France, Les Amis de la Terre and Notre affaire à tous opened their case at the Paris Judicial Tribunal against TotalEnergies for deceptive commercial practices.
• The NGOs allege that the company’s May 2021 rebrand and subsequent advertising overstated its commitment to the energy transition.
• Plaintiffs contend that TotalEnergies promotes its renewable-energy investments while the bulk of its earnings still derive from oil and gas.
• This is the first legal action in France targeting alleged greenwashing by a major energy firm.
• Observers say the court’s decision could establish new rules for how energy companies communicate environmental claims.