Oklahoma bill would limit climate-related lawsuits against oil and gas companies
A bill moving through the Oklahoma Legislature could change where certain lawsuits against oil and gas companies can be filed, potentially limiting some climate change-related cases from being heard in Oklahoma courts.
Senate Bill 1439 targets lawsuits tied to climate change, according to Joseph A. Schremmer, a professor of law in oil, gas and natural resources at the University of Oklahoma.
“It appears to be aimed at a type of lawsuit that has become fairly common lawsuits brought by state and local governments against oil and gas companies related to climate change,” Schremmer said.
Schremmer said the bill would bar those types of cases from being brought in Oklahoma courts.
“It provides that these kinds of lawsuits cannot be brought in courts in Oklahoma it would immediately give the defendant a basis for dismissing the lawsuit right off the bat,” he said.
This means some cases could be dismissed before they proceed.
Schremmer also raised concerns about how broadly the bill is written.
“It defines the type of lawsuit very broadly, you wonder what unintended kinds of lawsuits might fall within the scope of this, there could be some unintended consequences,” he said.
Supporters, including the Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma, say the oil and gas industry already operates under strict state and federal regulations. In a statement, the group said allowing climate-related claims in court could create uncertainty, discourage investment and impact reliable energy production.
The bill would still allow lawsuits if companies are found to be violating the law.
NewsChannel 8 reached out to the bill’s authors, including Senators Julie Daniels and Kristen Thompson and Representatives Anthony Moore and Nick Archer, but none were made available for an interview.
The bill is still moving through the legislature and could change before any final vote.