Oil Companies Turn to Anti-SLAPP Laws in Climate Litigation Defense

In a surprising twist during major legal battles, oil companies are asserting that their opponents are violating their free-speech rights. This tactic involves leveraging anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) laws, which are designed to prevent the silencing of critics through the threat of expensive legal action.

Experts, such as Nicole Ligon, a law professor at Campbell University in North Carolina, have noted that this represents a significant alteration from the original objectives of these laws. Typically, anti-SLAPP provisions provide judges with the authority to dismiss cases that appear to lack foundational merit.

This unexpected legal strategy is emerging in courtrooms across the country, especially as oil companies defend against lawsuits brought forth by state and local governments. These governmental bodies contend that the oil industry has misled the public regarding climate change issues and should be held accountable for contributing to the costs of climate adaptation efforts.