Sens. Cruz, Cotton, Budd, Lee Introduce Bill to Combat Climate Lawfare and Defend American Energy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced the Stop Climate Shakedowns Act to counter the rise of climate lawfare targeting America's energy sector by prohibiting dubious climate lawsuits or actions that attempt to enforce an energy penalty law from being brought in either state or federal court.

Sen. Cruz said, "Radical environmental groups have waged a coordinated campaign to weaponize our judicial system against American energy producers, including many in Texas. They're using meritless lawsuits to bankrupt our energy industry, kill good paying jobs, and drive up the cost of electricity and gasoline for hardworking families. I am proud to lead this bill to stop that abuse to protect American jobs, lower energy costs, and defend American energy dominance."

Sen. Cotton said, "For far too long, radical "green new deal" environmental groups have weaponized our judicial system to delay energy projects. Our bill would end this nonsense and lower costs for Arkansans."

Sen. Budd said, "The American people deserve access to reliable, affordable energy. No country in the world does that better than right here in the U.S., but our domestic energy producers are constantly under attack, with climate activists weaponizing our court system. I stand with Senator Cruz to end climate lawfare suits that only seek to harm U.S. energy producers and instead props up radicalized 'green' energy ideals."

Sen. Lee said, "America's energy producers take hit after hit from climate extremists who target them with excessive lawsuits. Our bill will stop the climate shakedown and end lawfare against the energy workers keeping America's lights on."

Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.-At-Large).

Rep. Hageman said, "Energy security is national security, and we will not self-sabotage our critical industries with a cascade of costly lawsuits and extreme penalties that jeopardize American drilling. America's energy producers should be protected from the dangerous legal precedent that would be set by the retroactive punishment of lawful activity."

Read the bill text here.

BACKGROUND

The Stop Climate Shakedowns Act prohibits frivolous climate lawsuits against American energy producers from being brought in either state or federal court.

Additionally, the bill voids any energy penalty law and preempts any states' attempts to regulate interstate and global emissions. By prohibiting causes of action for climate change related harms, states hoping to impose a radical climate agenda nationwide will not be able to offer a forum for activists to bring baseless suits against American energy producers. This legislation protects America's energy independence and prevents increased energy costs.

In June of last year, Sen. Cruz led a Judiciary subcommittee hearing on the Left's Lawfare Against American Energy Dominance.