A New Jersey judge dismissed the state’s climate lawsuit, ruling only federal law governs emissions. The lawsuit accused ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, BP, ConocoPhillips, and the API of misleading the public on fossil fuels and climate change.
Superior Court Judge Douglas Hurd ruled Wednesday that New Jersey’s claims must be governed by federal law rather than state-level litigation. Hurd ruled that federal law governs interstate and international emissions under the Constitution. The case was dismissed with prejudice, preventing New Jersey from refiling the lawsuit.
Platkin’s office swiftly responded, vowing to appeal. Platkin’s spokeswoman called the ruling disappointing, saying it lets big companies avoid accountability for misleading New Jerseyans. “The trial court’s decision is wrong, inconsistent with decisions in other states, and we are appealing immediately.”
Allegations Against Oil Companies
The lawsuit accused oil companies of knowingly suppressing information about fossil fuel dangers for decades, contributing to climate-related disasters. It claimed New Jersey taxpayers have spent billions recovering from extreme weather, such as Superstorm Sandy in 2012, Hurricane Ida in 2021, and Tropical Storm Isaias in 2020, which caused widespread blackouts.
The complaint also alleged the companies ran misleading public relations campaigns to downplay the link between fossil fuels and climate change. It pointed to internal company documents suggesting oil executives were aware of their products’ environmental impact but continued selling them without warning the public.
Oil Companies and Legal Precedent
Oil companies welcomed the ruling. Chevron attorney Theodore Boutrous Jr. said the case was part of a pattern of politically motivated climate lawsuits that courts have repeatedly rejected. “These types of claims are precluded and preempted by federal law and must be dismissed under clear U.S. Supreme Court precedent,” Boutrous said. He cited a New York case where the Second Circuit ruled state law can’t address climate change.
Other courts have reached similar conclusions. A judge dismissed NYC’s 2021 lawsuit, ruling climate damages fall under federal, not state, regulation. Similar cases in Rhode Island, Minnesota, and California have faced legal challenges over whether state or federal law should govern climate disputes.
Future of Climate Lawsuits
New Jersey’s appeal could extend the legal battle, but Hurd’s ruling underscores the difficulty states face in holding oil companies accountable through state law. If the appeal fails, it could limit state climate lawsuits, pushing cases to federal court, where they’re often dismissed.
As legal battles over climate accountability continue, oil companies maintain they are following federal regulations and investing in cleaner energy. Meanwhile, environmental advocates argue that lawsuits like New Jersey’s are necessary to hold corporations accountable for their role in climate change.
The case now heads to the appellate court, where its outcome could influence future climate litigation nationwide.
