Honolulu Leads Legal Battle Against Fossil Fuel Firms

Honolulu has filed a lawsuit against major fossil fuel companies, such as ExxonMobil, Shell, and Chevron, regarding the impacts of climate change.

The lawsuit in Honolulu is more advanced compared to similar legal actions in other parts of the country. Judge Lisa Cataldo heard arguments on a defense motion seeking to dismiss the lawsuit due to the state's two-year statute of limitations, but did not make an immediate ruling.

In 2020, the capital city of Hawaii sued Exxon Mobil, Shell, and Chevron, alleging that these companies were aware for almost 50 years that their fossil fuel products contribute to greenhouse gas pollution, leading to global warming and climate changes. The lawsuit also accuses the companies of profiting from oil, coal, and natural gas consumption while misleading the public about the impact of their products on the climate crisis.

Honolulu's lawsuit attributes the rise in sea levels around Oahu's coastline to the companies and warns of more frequent hurricanes, heatwaves, and ocean warming that will harm fish stocks and coral reefs.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages. Representatives for most of the companies did not immediately respond to requests for comments on the lawsuit. Some companies, like ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66, stated they do not comment on ongoing litigation.

The case in Honolulu is further along than around 30 similar lawsuits nationwide. The outcome of this case may influence how other cases proceed and how oil companies defend themselves in court.

Exxon Mobil previously won a lawsuit by New York's attorney general in 2019 regarding the costs of climate change. Honolulu's lawsuit has progressed to the hearing stage after being denied dismissal by the Hawaii Supreme Court and rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court.

A lawsuit by Maui County, impacted by a devastating wildfire, is currently on hold. Hawaii has also faced legal action from the U.S. Department of Justice over its plans to sue fossil fuel companies, with the state filing a motion to halt the federal lawsuit.

Before going to trial, a group of youths settled a lawsuit against Hawaii's transportation department, agreeing to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions across all transportation modes by 2045.