The same racketeering legislation used to bring down mob bosses, motorcycle gangs, football executives and international fraudsters is to be tested against oil and coal companies who are accused of conspiring to deceive the public over the climate crisis.
“Puerto Rico is one of the most affected places by climate change in the world.
This fossil fuel enterprise, which remains operational according to the lawsuit, resulted in multitude of damages caused by climate disasters that were foreseen – but hidden – by the defendants in order to maximise profits.
In September, Hurricane Ian left much of the island without power and water, as well as damaging essential infrastructure like roads and bridges.
Seven oil firms, three coal companies, and hundreds of organisations and operatives are among the defendants accused of consumer fraud, racketeering, antitrust, fraudulent misrepresentation, conspiracy to defraud, products liability and unjust enrichment among other crimes.
The American Petroleum Institute and the National Mining Association did not respond to requests for comment.
Several of the defendants have made statements criticising the lawsuit. »
![image for [OC] A private "relaxation room" at my office](2a44d55f-eb93-5fd0-9897-aeb7fe237eb8_thumb.jpg)
