Maine Joins the Legal Battle Against Fossil Fuel Giants
Maine has joined four other New England states in suing major fossil fuel companies over allegations of deception and negligence related to climate change. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey filed a lawsuit against ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, BP, Sunoco, and the American Petroleum Institute, accusing them of misleading residents about the environmental harm caused by their products. The complaint alleges violations of Maine laws, including negligence, nuisance, and failure to warn, as well as breaches of the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act.
“For over half a century, these companies chose to fuel profits instead of following their science to prevent what are now likely irreversible, catastrophic climate effects,” said Frey. Maine’s lawsuit seeks to hold these companies accountable for climate-related damages and demands they stop their deceptive practices while compensating for past and future harm. The state’s filing highlights the growing legal pushback from New England as the region grapples with the consequences of rising sea levels, extreme weather, and other climate impacts.
Broader New England Efforts to Hold Fossil Fuel Companies Accountable
Maine’s lawsuit follows similar actions by Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. These states argue that fossil fuel companies have engaged in systematic deception regarding the effects of their products on climate change.
Vermont filed its case in 2021 against major oil and gas firms, including ExxonMobil and Shell, for deceptive marketing and distribution practices. Connecticut’s lawsuit, initiated in 2020, accuses ExxonMobil of a decades-long campaign to obscure the link between fossil fuel use and climate change. Massachusetts began its legal challenge in 2019, alleging ExxonMobil deliberately misled consumers and investors. Meanwhile, Rhode Island’s 2018 case targets 20 oil and gas companies, seeking compensation for damages such as flooding and sea-level rise along its extensive shoreline.
The collective efforts of these states underscore a unified regional stance against the fossil fuel industry. They aim to not only seek damages but also push for greater corporate accountability in addressing climate change.
New Hampshire’s Mixed Stance on Climate Action
New Hampshire remains the sole New England state not to file a lawsuit against fossil fuel companies. A 2022 bill proposing a commission to calculate the financial costs of climate damage and explore ways to recover those costs failed to gain traction. Attempts to reintroduce the bill remain uncertain, as its lead sponsor has yet to comment.
Despite its reluctance to take legal action, New Hampshire has maintained its net metering (NEM) program for solar energy users, set to expire in 2040. However, the state’s relatively low NEM rates, particularly for larger installations, and high electricity costs—averaging 23.1 cents per kilowatt-hour—pose challenges for renewable energy adoption. According to Sam Evans-Brown, Executive Director of Clean Energy NH, the uncertainty surrounding net metering credits complicates solar project financing. He emphasized that extending NEM policies to a rolling 20-year tariff could better support residents and developers.
While New Hampshire has made modest progress in renewable energy policy, its lack of legal action against fossil fuel companies contrasts sharply with other New England states, reflecting a cautious approach to addressing climate change at the state level.
