"Utah passed a law to insulate oil companies against efforts to make them pay for their role in global warming. A nationwide version is in the works."
"Republicans at the state and federal levels are working to shield fossil fuel companies from laws and legal claims that aim to make them pay for some of the damage caused by climate change.
Lawmakers and oil-industry advocates are running a two-track campaign, in statehouses and in Congress, to pass laws to protect companies from paying some of the costs of intensified wildfires, storms, floods and other effects of global warming. The goal is broad immunity, similar to what Congress granted to gun manufacturers two decades ago.
The effort comes as major fossil fuel companies including Exxon, Chevron and ConocoPhillips face a wave of lawsuits from cities, states and individuals who say the companies knew their products would dangerously warm the planet.
The companies, which did not respond to a request for comment, are also battling new “climate superfund” laws, so far enacted in Vermont and New York, that hold them liable for emissions. New York is seeking $75 billion over 25 years. Similar laws are under consideration in a dozen other states."
David Gelles and Karen Zraick report for the Associated Press April 2, 2026.
