Senator Markey Condemns Republican Efforts to Put Big Oil Above the Law

Boston (June 12, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today condemned Republican efforts to shield Big Oil from liability through a blanket immunity scheme. The proposed legislation would block any lawsuits or state laws aimed at holding oil and gas companies accountable for their role in the climate crisis.

"Republicans want to hand fossil fuel polluters sweeping legal immunity and put them above the law. They want to reward Big Oil for raking in massive profits while deceiving the American people and leaving families to foot the bill for the mess they've created," said Senator Markey. "No one is above the law. Not Trump, not Big Oil, not me, not you. This bill should be dead on arrival."

Eleven U.S. states, two Tribes, and dozens of local governments, together representing more than a quarter of Americans in 19 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, have pursued legal cases against major oil and gas companies for misleading the public about the dangers of fossil fuels and to make those companies pay for the resulting damages. Instead of facing those claims, Big Oil and its allies have been lobbying Congress and the Trump administration to evade responsibility. If enacted, this bill would force everyday Americans to shoulder the full costs of climate change.

###

• Print
• Email
• Like
• Tweet