Oregon Sues Gas Company NW Natural in Landmark Climate Change Case

Initially filed last year by Multnomah County—which includes Portland—the lawsuit alleges that NW Natural was aware of the environmental risks associated with burning natural gas but deliberately misled its customers. The county claims that NW Natural, along with major oil companies like Exxon and Shell, engaged in schemes to aggressively sell fossil fuels while concealing the dangers they posed to the planet.

According to the complaint, these companies have known about the impacts of Global warming since the 1950s through their own internal research. The lawsuit highlights the role of fossil fuel companies in exacerbating Climate change, citing events such as the deadly 2021 heat wave in Multnomah County that resulted in at least 69 deaths.

Multnomah County has reported over $50 million in damages from wildfires, extreme heat, and other climate-related disasters, with projected future costs exceeding $1.5 billion. The county seeks at least $50 billion to fund adaptation projects aimed at mitigating further climate harms.

NW Natural responded to the lawsuit by stating it had not received the complaint but acknowledged its inclusion. The company vowed to contest the claims vigorously if the case proceeds to court. This addition brings the total number of defendants in the lawsuit to around two dozen, including industry giants and consulting firms like McKinsey & Company.

Legal experts note that this case could set a precedent similar to the landmark tobacco litigation of the 1990s. While several climate lawsuits are underway across the United States, none have yet gone to trial. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing whether to hear the case, which could determine the future of climate litigation against fossil fuel companies.

As the legal battle unfolds, Oregon’s move underscores a growing trend of holding energy companies accountable for their role in climate change, reflecting increasing public and governmental demand for environmental accountability.

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• Supreme Court Faces Pressure to Decide on Climate Change Lawsuits

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