California Bill That Lets Anyone Sue Oil Companies Over Natural Disasters Is Dead
Climate lawfare activists hoped to capitalize on the devastating wildfires across the state.
by Kyle Kohli Apr 10, 2025
California legislation that would have permitted the state FAIR plan, individuals, and insurers to sue oil and gas companies over natural disasters officially failed to advance last evening in the California Senate Judiciary Committee. [emphasis, links added]
SB 222, which was sponsored by San Francisco State Sen. Scott Wiener and the Rockefeller-backed Center for Climate Integrity, only notched 5 of the 7 committee votes needed to proceed amid stiff bipartisan opposition.
The legislation has been a flashpoint in the ongoing California homeowners insurance debate as climate lawfare activists looked to capitalize on the recent string of devastating wildfires across the state.
Democrats Vote Against SB 222 Due to Cost and Feasibility Concerns
Sen. Angelique Ashby and Sen. Anna Caballero, both Democrats, voted against the bill outright while fellow Democrats Chairman Tom Umberg and Sen. Maria Durazo abstained, arguing they were unconvinced the legislation would help stabilize California’s soaring home insurance premiums.
In a statement to the Associated Press before the hearing, Sen. Caballero pointed out that she supports strong environmental policy – but argued that SB 222 does not hit the mark:
https://climatechangedispatch.com/california-bill-that-lets-anyone-sue-oil-companies-over-natural-disasters-is-dead/