In a landmark decision, Multnomah County, the most populous area in Oregon, has taken legal action against NW Natural, the state’s largest gas supplier, alleging climate deception. This unprecedented lawsuit signifies the first time a utility has faced such serious allegations. Can you elaborate on the circumstances that led to this lawsuit?
Last year, Multnomah County filed a suit against 17 fossil fuel companies and interest groups, claiming they misled the public about the climate crisis. This legal action was a response to a catastrophic heat wave in 2021 that resulted in the loss of 69 lives in the county, a tragedy researchers link to climate change. The lawsuit contends that the oil and gas sector, which plays a substantial role in global warming, should be held accountable for the climate-induced damages.
Recently, the county expanded its complaint to include NW Natural, which has a long-standing presence in Oregon as the oldest and largest fossil fuel provider in the state. The lawsuit claims that “NW Natural engaged in an enterprise of misrepresentation regarding the climate impact of its products.”
The lawsuit points out that NW Natural is responsible for about 9% of Oregon’s carbon dioxide emissions. It also alleges that the company has disseminated misinformation about the climate risks associated with natural gas, primarily methane—a greenhouse gas that is over 80 times more effective at warming the planet than carbon dioxide.
With an increasing number of climate-related lawsuits targeting major oil companies, what does this imply for future litigation against utilities like NW Natural? Alyssa Johl, vice president of legal and general counsel at the Center for Climate Integrity, believes this case could set a significant precedent. “Gas utilities have played key roles in ongoing efforts to mislead the public about the dangers of fossil fuels,” she notes.
Despite NW Natural’s advocacy for a “carbon-neutral future,” the lawsuit claims the company has failed to implement operational changes that would lower greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon. Additionally, it accuses NW Natural of “astroturfing” to fabricate an illusion of community support for gas.
Interestingly, NW Natural has opted not to comment on the lawsuit, stating that it has not yet reviewed the details. A recent investigation by ProPublica revealed that, contrary to its public assertions of reducing emissions, NW Natural has made minimal progress.
After years of advocacy, state lawmakers are pushing for the Department of Justice to investigate the utility for false advertising. The amended complaint also includes the Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine, a non-profit accused of promoting climate denial, marking the first lawsuit of its kind against this organization. Moreover, the original complaint was notable for being the first legal action taken against McKinsey & Company, a multinational consulting firm known for its ties to the oil industry.
Multnomah County is not acting alone; it is among numerous cities, counties, and states across the U.S. that have launched lawsuits against the fossil fuel industry for climate deception. The county is seeking $50 billion in damages related to the 2021 heat dome, along with an additional $1.5 billion to mitigate future climate impacts.
County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We’re already paying dearly in Multnomah County for our climate crisis—with our tax dollars, our health, and our lives. Moving forward, we must strengthen our safety net just to keep people safe.”
