Oil Slickers

California knows who to blame:

State Sen. Scott Wiener has introduced a bill that would create a pathway for Californians affected by fires, floods and other climate disasters to sue fossil fuel companies for damages. The bill would also let insurers do the same to recover costs. Senate Bill 222, introduced Monday by the San Francisco Democrat and state Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, D-Pasadena, accuses gas and oil companies of deceiving the public about the impact of their products on climate change. Supporters argue it would provide relief from California’s home insurance crisis by explicitly allowing insurers to recoup costs from fossil fuel companies, rather than solely by raising their rates. “Californians are paying a devastating price for the climate crisis, as escalating disasters destroy entire communities and drive insurance costs through the roof,” Wiener said in a statement. “By forcing the fossil fuel companies driving the climate crisis to pay their fair share, we can help stabilize our insurance market and make the victims of climate disasters whole.” While a number of state officials have filed lawsuits against oil companies in recent years, it’s much rarer for non-officials to attempt the same. Erik Mebust, a spokesperson for Wiener’s office, said that SB222 would “provide a clear legal recourse for victims and insurers.”

They have to keep the green scam going somehow...