U.S. Senator Mike Lee of Utah announced on Apr. 21 that he is cosponsoring the Stop Climate Shakedowns Act, a bill aimed at preventing climate-related lawsuits against American energy producers in state or federal courts. The legislation, introduced by Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and supported by Senators Ted Budd of North Carolina and Tom Cotton of Arkansas, also has a companion version in the House led by Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming.
The proposed law seeks to address what its sponsors describe as an increase in legal actions targeting energy companies over climate issues. Supporters say these lawsuits threaten jobs and raise costs for consumers.
“America’s energy producers take hit after hit from climate extremists who target them with excessive lawsuits,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Our bill will stop the climate shakedown and end lawfare against the energy workers keeping America’s lights on.”
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.”
The legislation would void any state laws imposing penalties related to emissions and preempt states from regulating interstate or global emissions through litigation. According to supporters, this measure would help maintain national standards for legal action regarding climate change while protecting domestic industries from what they consider baseless suits.
Lee serves as U.S. senator for Utah according to his official website. He has championed constitutional principles and individual liberty during his tenure according to the official website. He grew up in Provo as a fourth-generation Utahn according to the official website, is the son of Rex E. Lee—a legal scholar—and earned both his bachelor’s degree in political science and Juris Doctor from Brigham Young University according to the official website. Lee promotes constitutional principles, limited government, individual liberty, and free markets according to his official website.
“The American people deserve access to reliable, affordable energy,” said Budd about why he supports ending such litigation efforts through this bill.
