Officials to Senate: Reject Fossil Fuel Immunity Bill
Attorneys and public officials from states, cities, counties, and tribal governments with climate accountability cases pending against fossil fuel companies are calling on U.S. Senate leaders to reject legislation that would hand the industry sweeping immunity from accountability. In a June 22, 2026 letter to Democratic ranking members, the coalition urges senators to oppose Sen. Ted Cruz’s S. 4340 and House companion bill, H.R. 8330, introduced by Rep. Harriet Hageman — warning that the measures would shield fossil fuel companies from lawsuits and state laws aimed at addressing climate deception and the mounting costs of climate damage.
The letter, signed by officials including Multnomah County Attorney Jenny Madkour, argues that the bills would strip states, tribes, and local governments of their power to enforce their own laws and hold fossil fuel companies accountable for decades of deception. The signatories urge lawmakers to block any attempt to slip fossil fuel immunity into reconciliation, appropriations, or other legislation, making clear that no industry should be placed above the law.