Throughout 2025, Americans increasingly turned to the courts to hold major oil companies accountable for alleged climate deception, marking a significant surge in climate accountability litigation. This wave saw groundbreaking cases filed and notable victories, even as the Trump administration escalated its support for fossil fuels.
However, the year was not without setbacks. The Trump administration actively attacked these cases, while the oil industry worked to have them dismissed. Additionally, big oil sought to secure legal protections against current and future climate lawsuits, creating a complex legal landscape.
Key trends included a rise in state and local government lawsuits against fossil fuel companies, alleging decades of deception about climate risks. Some plaintiffs achieved early wins in procedural battles, but many cases faced challenges from industry motions to dismiss. The push for a legislative shield also loomed large, as oil companies lobbied for immunity from climate-related litigation.
Overall, 2025 was a defining year for US climate litigation, with both advances and obstacles shaping the path forward for accountability.
