Fossil fuel lobbyists helped push anti-protest laws nationwide
Fossil fuel companies and lawmakers collaborated across multiple states to pass laws imposing harsher penalties for peaceful protests, aiming to deter climate activists.
Hilary Beaumont and Nina Lakhani report for The Guardian.
In short:
- Emails reveal fossil fuel lobbyists influenced laws in states like Utah, West Virginia and Ohio, criminalizing civil disobedience near energy infrastructure.
- Many of these laws were shaped following the 2016 Dakota Access pipeline protests, with penalties up to 10 years in prison.
- Critics argue these laws undermine First Amendment rights, turning minor infractions into serious felonies.
Key quote:
“Existing legislation is being misused...to criminalize peaceful acts calling for real action to combat climate change.”
— Mary Lawlor, UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders.
Why this matters:
Anti-protest laws threaten free speech and peaceful demonstration, essential for holding governments and corporations accountable on climate action. By criminalizing activism, these laws could stifle efforts to address the urgent climate crisis.
Related: Activists call for politicians to sever ties with fossil fuel industries
