New York Court Dismisses Climate Lawsuit Against Oil Firms

A New York Supreme Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit from New York City against Exxon Mobil, BP, and Shell, which alleged that the companies misled the public about their products and their commitment to addressing climate change. Justice Anar Patel ruled that the city could not assert that residents were aware of the harmful effects of fossil fuels while also claiming to have been misled by these companies. The court found no evidence of 'greenwashing' practices related to the companies' advertising, which the city argued falsely promoted their investment in clean energy. The lawsuit was initially filed in April 2021 after a federal appeals court declined to hold the oil companies accountable for the city's climate-related costs. The case reflects a broader trend, as many state and local governments continue to pursue similar lawsuits against oil companies for their role in climate change. A representative from the city's law department indicated ongoing commitment to holding companies accountable for consumer protection violations.