L-R: Patricia B. Santelle, Paul A. Briganti and Alison Bennett of White and Williams. Courtesy photos
Climate change has long been a center of attention among scientists, journalists and activists. In recent times, it has also given rise to increased litigation and legislation, primarily targeting fossil fuel companies. According to Columbia Law School’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, over 1,775 climate change suits have been brought in the U.S. to date, including nearly 790 (44.5%) since 2019. In addition, states have passed or are considering legislation requiring fossil fuel companies to pay for the impact of emissions on the environment. In this article, we address the history of climate change litigation and legislation, recent trends, and potential developments in judicial and legislative spaces.
Climate Change Litigation
The Beginning: ‘Massachusetts v. EPA’
