Additionally, the coalition argued that the “interest in combating climate change is not uniquely federal. Instead, local and state governments suffer from the impacts of climate change and have no choice but to should the cost of its damages. They have important role in addressing climate change and protecting human welfare.
In a statement, AG James commented, “Polluters are not immune from being held accountable to state laws. Cities and states are committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of their residents, including fighting against the increasingly devastating impacts of climate change. To that end, we refuse to abdicate our duty and our right to seek legal recourse against those who violate our local and state laws.”
California AG Xavier Becerra also released a separate statement regarding the issue. According to him, “Our cities and communities pay the price when big oil companies ignore the devastating consequences of increased fossil fuel production.”
He added, “Taxpayers continue to bear the immense burden of preventing and repairing the damage of rising sea levels and extreme weather events caused by the climate crisis.”
