A proposed federal Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026, spearheaded by Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Harriet Hageman, would permanently shield fossil fuel companies from climate-related lawsuits and void existing and future climate liability laws.

The bill seeks to dismiss pending climate accountability lawsuits, void state climate superfund laws, and block future efforts, asserting exclusive federal authority over greenhouse gas regulation.

It would declare that no qualified liability actions may be filed or maintained in any court, federal or state, effectively preempting state and local climate litigation.

Coverage notes the story amid a rush of other news, while pointing readers to HEATED’s climate accountability journalism and urging opposition to the bill.

Public figures like former Governor Jay Inslee oppose liability waivers for fossil fuel interests, arguing the bills undermine justice and accountability.

Supporters argue the measure would protect energy affordability and national security, while critics contend it would deny communities a day in court and absolve deception about climate impacts.

Experts warn the bills could advance through reconciliation or be attached to must-pass legislation, increasing passage likelihood despite Senate resistance and potential judicial challenges.

Hageman, Cruz, and allied groups face scrutiny over ties to fossil-fuel funders and Leonard Leo’s network, raising concerns about influence on climate policy.

Advocacy groups warn that federal immunity could be permanent and catastrophic, urging public pressure to oppose the bill and counter immunity efforts.

Overall, the debate centers on whether the federal government or states should determine climate accountability, with oil industry support and environmental opposition shaping the confrontation.

Proponents, including the American Petroleum Institute and American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, welcome the bills as necessary to shield energy policy from litigation and perceived state overreach.

The bill cites a gun-rights immunity precedent, but critics warn it could drastically undermine climate accountability analogous to California-scale effects.