{
"type": "rich",
"version": "1.0",
"provider_name": "Action Network",
"provider_url": "https://actionnetwork.org",
"html": "",
"author_name": "GreenFaith US Group",
"author_url": "https://actionnetwork.org/groups/greenfaith-us-group",
"title": "Multi-Faith Letter Opposing Fossil Fuel Immunity",
"thumbnail_url": "https://actionnetwork.org//images/generic_facebook.jpg",
"description": "To Members of the United States Congress, We write as people of faith to state a principle so fundamental it requires no interpretation: If you cause harm, you are accountable for it. No exceptions. No immunity. No special protection for the powerful. Legislation now being advanced in Congress would violate this principle. It would shield fossil fuel companies from legal accountability for the damage their products and activities have caused. The very same damage that communities across this nation are already suffering. In plain terms: those who caused the harm would walk away, and the public would be forced to pay. Families who have lost homes to fire, flood, and storm would be told: You may bear the cost, but you may not seek justice. Across the United States, cities, states, and communities have turned to the courts. They are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for a basic moral right: If you are harmed, you may seek accountability under the law. These cases are moving forward. Evidence is being heard. And that is precisely why the fossil fuel industry is now asking Congress to intervene. Because if the facts are fully examined, a jury may find them responsible and require them to pay. This is not about energy policy. It is about avoiding accountability. Instead of defending their actions in court, these companies are asking you to change the rules, to place them beyond the reach of the law. Our traditions speak with one voice on this: “Justice, justice shall you pursue.” — Deuteronomy 16:20 “Stand firmly for justice, even against yourselves.” — Qur’an 4:135 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” — Matthew 5:6 “Whenever righteousness declines, and injustice rises, I manifest to restore balance.” — Bhagavad Gita 4:7 “Do not harm others with that which pains yourself.” — Buddhist teaching “We covenant to affirm and promote justice, equity, and compassion.” — Unitarian Universalist principle Justice does not mean protecting the powerful from consequence. It means holding them to the same standard as everyone else. The fossil fuel industry has long understood the consequences of its products and activities. Instead of warning the public, it has funded delays, denials, and deceptions. Now, as the damage becomes undeniable and legal accountability approaches, it seeks an escape. This is not responsibility. This is evasion. This legislation presents a clear moral choice: Will families who have lost homes and livelihoods be allowed their day in court? Or will corporations be declared untouchable? Will those who caused the harm be required to help repair it? Or will the burden be shifted to taxpayers and future generations? This bill answers those questions plainly: Protect the corporations. Pass the costs to the public. If enacted, it would shut down climate accountability lawsuits across the country and block communities from enforcing “polluter pays” laws. It would not address the climate crisis. It would ensure that those most responsible pay nothing for it. No corporation is above the law. That is not a partisan idea. It is a foundation of justice. And no elected official should be remembered for placing one there. At a time when communities are already suffering loss—of homes, livelihoods, and lives—this legislation asks the nation to accept a profound injustice: That those who caused the harm will pay nothing, and those who suffer it will pay everything. We reject that. Across our faith traditions, we are called to confront wrongdoing, to hold power accountable, and to stand with those who suffer. We call on you: Reject fossil fuel immunity. Do not place any industry above the law.",
"url": "https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/multi-faith-letter-opposing-fossil-fuel-immunity"
}