Question of whether taxpayers or fossil fuel companies pay for climate change damage heads to Supreme Court

If fossil fuel companies misled the public about the dangers of their products, should they be required to pay for damages from climate-related disasters?

By: Patrick Parenteau, Vermont Law & Graduate School, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 30, 2026

Words: 1,552

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 3 days ago

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By Patrick Parenteau, Vermont Law & Graduate School

Climate change is causing billions of dollars’ worth of damage every year from floods, fires, droughts and other consequences of a rapidly warming planet.

Dozens of states, cities, counties and tribes have sued major oil companies. The lawsuits demand reimbursements for the costs of recovery efforts, reconstruction and work to protect people and property from climate-related damage.

The crux of their argument is an allegation …

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