Hawaii House Bill HCR197

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 3/22/24
• Refer: 3/22/24

Caption

Requesting The Attorney General To File A Lawsuit Against Big Oil Corporations For Climate Damages To The State And Engage A Third-party Law Firm That Has Expertise In This Legal Area.

Impact

The resolution highlights the severe economic burden that climate change has placed on Hawaii, necessitating actions such as air conditioning state buildings and recovering from environmental disasters. It references previous legal precedents, including a ruling by the Hawaii Supreme Court that allows such claims against oil companies. If realized, this resolution could set a legal framework for the state to seek redress for climate-related damages, strengthening Hawaii's position in similar legal battles across the nation, as numerous other state attorneys general have pursued similar actions.

Summary

HCR197 is a House Concurrent Resolution submitted during the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii in 2024. The resolution requests that the Attorney General file a lawsuit against major oil corporations, such as BP and ExxonMobil, for climate damages incurred by the state. It acknowledges the significant contribution of these corporations to global carbon emissions and the resulting climate change that has negatively impacted Hawaii's infrastructure, marine resources, and overall environmental health. The bill's primary aim is to hold oil companies accountable for their environmental impact and to seek damages that the state has incurred due to these issues.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HCR197 indicate that there may be significant contention regarding its implementation and the broader implications for state law. Advocates argue that taking action against big oil is crucial for environmental justice and accountability, while opponents may raise concerns about the potential economic implications of such lawsuits on the state's relationship with the oil industry. The resolution aims to create a legal avenue to address the impacts of climate change, reflecting a growing trend in states to seek accountability from major corporations for their role in environmental degradation.