Delaware v. BP

In 2020, the State of Delaware sued 31 fossil fuel companies for causing climate change while misleading the public about the impacts of their products. As the lowest-lying state in the United States, Delaware claimed damage due to flooding and sea level rise, increased costs of providing government services, increased health care and public health costs, increased planning and preparation costs, and disruption and loss of coastal communities.

This case is one of many cases brought by local governments in the United States against the fossil fuel industry in pursuit of damages associated with the cost of adapting to climate change.

Relevant Law and Principles

 * Delaware Consumer Fraud Act
 * Failure to Warn
 * Trespass
 * Nuisance

Status
The case was filed in Delaware state court. Like other local and state government suits against the fossil fuel industry, the defendants removed the case to U.S. District Court where it is currently pending.

Links

 * Sabin Center Database