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Conservative Network Drives State Bills to Shield Oil Companies From Climate Lawsuits

An investigation traces the push to groups linked to Leonard Leo.

Overview

  • Reporters found Republican-led states advancing copycat measures, with 15 laws passed or under debate in 11 states, to limit liability for greenhouse gas emissions.
  • At an American Legislative Exchange Council summit, operatives laid out the plan and offered prewritten bills and funding to help lawmakers pass them.
  • The campaign runs through groups connected by staffing or funding to Leonard Leo, including The 85 Fund and CRC Advisors.
  • Consumers' Research helped draft and promote the bills, received more than 65 percent of its 2024 funding from DonorsTrust, and paid CRC Advisors about $670,000 that year.
  • Critics warn the measures would block cities and counties from seeking compensation for climate harms, citing Boulder County’s case against Exxon Mobil and Suncor as an example.