By Pamela Tate Vice Chair, The Climate Reality Project: Chicago Metro Chapter
On April 15, 2026, I provided public comments to the Cook County Commissioners and President Preckwinkle with the goal of delivering a clear message on behalf of our chapter: The fossil fuel industry must not be allowed to place itself above the law.
Opposing Federal Immunity for Big Oil
Our chapter is in strong support of Resolution #26-0978. This resolution calls on Congress and the Illinois delegation to oppose the fossil fuel industry’s attempt to gain complete immunity from all laws and lawsuits nationwide.
The American Petroleum Institute has made total immunity its top legislative priority for 2026. We cannot let them succeed while our taxpayers are left to foot the bill for the damage caused by products like gas, oil, coal, and methane.
Lessons from History
The industry’s own scientists warned them decades ago about the destruction their products would cause. Instead of acting, they chose to deceive the public—claiming the science was unclear, much like Big Tobacco did regarding the link between smoking and cancer.
If this immunity shield is granted:
- Chicago’s lawsuit against these companies would be rendered null and void.
- Climate Superfund laws—already passed in New York and Vermont and currently under consideration in Illinois—would be wiped out.
Protecting Cook County
We have seen firsthand the damage done to our residents and businesses by extreme heat, wildfire smoke, pollution, and intense flooding. These effects are only increasing.
It is wrong for local governments and taxpayers to bear the costs of a crisis manufactured by an industry that has lied for fifty years while raking in trillions in profits. As a state, we have the right to hold these companies accountable.
Thank you to the Board for introducing this resolution and for standing up for Cook County, Illinois, and the planet.
Pamela Tate is a resident of Oak Park and serves as the Vice Chair of the Climate Reality Project’s Chicago Metro Chapter.