GOP Lawmaker Drafts Bill to Shield Big Oil From Climate Liability Lawsuits

Congresswoman Harriet Hageman says she is working with colleagues to craft legislation that would protect fossil fuel companies from accountability for climate damages.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A Republican congresswoman has acknowledged that GOP lawmakers are actively working to stop legal complaints and legislation that aim to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable for mounting climate harms. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wy.) said she is crafting legislation that would shield oil and gas companies from "abusive state climate lawsuits" and "superfund laws" requiring them to pay for climate damage.

Why it matters

This effort by GOP lawmakers to protect Big Oil from liability for climate damages comes as multiple state and local governments have filed lawsuits alleging the industry knowingly contributed to the climate crisis. Experts say the industry's push for immunity suggests they fear these lawsuits could succeed in court.

The details

Hageman said the legislation she is working on would target superfund laws passed in Vermont and New York, as well as state and local climate lawsuits like one filed by Michigan alleging antitrust violations by fossil fuel companies and another filed by Boulder, Colorado against ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy subsidiaries. The American Petroleum Institute has also stated a goal of "stopping extreme climate liability policy" and ending the "expansion of climate 'superfund' policies."

  • On February 12, 2026, Hageman announced her effort to stop climate liability lawsuits.
  • Last month, the American Petroleum Institute unveiled its 2026 policy agenda featuring the goal of shielding companies from "abusive state climate lawsuits."

The players

Harriet Hageman

A Republican congresswoman from Wyoming who is working with colleagues to craft legislation that would protect fossil fuel companies from accountability for climate damages.

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General of the Department of Justice, who agreed with Hageman's assertion that climate lawsuits and state laws "require a federal response" and said the DOJ would consider taking action to "protect federal supremacy over interstate emissions and energy policy."

American Petroleum Institute (API)

The largest oil and gas trade organization in the US, which has stated a goal of "stopping extreme climate liability policy" and ending the "expansion of climate 'superfund' policies."

Mike Sommers

The president of the American Petroleum Institute, who said the mounting legal challenges are "denying facts, delaying progress, and ignoring the realities of rising demand."

Pat Parenteau

A professor at Vermont Law School, who said the efforts to shield companies from climate liability suggest that fossil fuel giants and proponents like Hageman know that lawsuits would likely stand up in court.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.