Hawaii Sues Oil Companies Over Climate Change, Appeal May Impact Consumers
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Honolulu sued major oil companies like Exxon and Chevron, claiming their products cause climate change harms. A state court allowed the case to proceed despite companies' objections.
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Oil companies have appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing the "hyper-ideological" Hawaii court threatens to force "progressive lifestyle choices" nationwide.
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Legal experts say if the case proceeds, it could lead to "giant judgments" against oil companies that raise costs for consumers struggling with inflation.
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The suit is seen as an attempt to "strong-arm" progressive climate policies nationwide by targeting fossil fuel companies through litigation.
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Hawaii Supreme Court justices questioned legitimacy of the U.S. Supreme Court and advocated using lawsuits to address climate change, dubbed an "existential threat."