New Jersey’s lawsuit was funded by liberal NGOs, backed by activists who thought they could twist the legal system to impose their agenda. But Judge Hurd shut it down—hard. The reality is simple: you can’t use state laws to punish companies for global issues. These lawsuits were never about solutions, only power. And now, they’re falling apart, one by one. The courtroom isn’t a place to rewrite energy policy, and this ruling proves it.
NJ Superior Court Judge Douglas Hurd didn’t mince words in the ruling:
“Plaintiffs seek to regulate the nationwide—and even worldwide—marketing and distribution of lawful products on which billions of people outside of New Jersey rely to heat their homes, power their hospitals…
— Thomas Catenacci (@ThomasCatenacci) February 5, 2025
Judge Hurd’s ruling was clear and firm. He stated, “Plaintiffs seek to regulate the nationwide—and even worldwide—marketing and distribution of lawful products on which billions of people outside of New Jersey rely to heat their homes, power their hospitals and schools, produce and transport their food, and manufacture countless items essential to the safety, wellbeing, and advancement of modern society—in the process distorting the scope and content of state tort law beyond recognition.”
Hurd further explained, “Because Plaintiffs seek damages for alleged harms caused by interstate and international emissions and global warming, their claims cannot be governed by state law. Under our federal constitutional system, States cannot use their laws to resolve claims seeking redress for injuries allegedly caused by out-of-state and worldwide emissions.”
Sources:
https://news.yahoo.com/nj-lawsuit-claiming-oil-companies-220335911.html
https://www.eenews.net/articles/new-jersey-judge-scraps-climate-lawsuit-against-oil-companies/
