Divest, Defund, Desponsor Team
OBJECTIVES
To identify and act on opportunities for extracting monetary damages from and enforcing accountability on fossil fuel companies and their leaders. Our guiding principle is that we cannot expect a change in the behavior of the companies that are responsible for planetary-scale changes in the biosphere when the only consequences of that behavior are trillion-dollar profits and the enrichment of the leaders of those companies. We focus on opportunities where change can be accomplished by a small team working with allies in local and state governments. Our first project was to lobby Chicago to file suit against fossil fuel companies. Working with members of the City Council, we were able to accomplish that goal.
Current Initiatives
- Private right of action legislation
Establishes a compelling state interest in empowering individuals, businesses, and associations to seek legal remedies and monetary compensation for harms caused by climate disasters and long-term climate changes attributable to the actions and products of fossil fuel companies. - Climate superfund legislation
Similar to EPA superfund regulations, The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will assess a financial contribution from fossil fuel companies based on their proportionate contribution to total greenhouse gas emissions during a defined period. - Climate homicide
Explore on a local level the application of criminal statutes for homicide and reckless endangerment to fossil companies and their leaders for harm caused by their products. - A Chicago ban on fossil fuel advertising
Several cities, e.g., The Hague, Netherlands, have taken steps to restrict or ban fossil fuel advertising in public spaces, aiming to reduce the promotion of high-carbon products and services. These initiatives are part of a broader movement to limit the promotion of fossil fuels, drawing parallels to past restrictions on tobacco advertising due to health concerns. Advocates argue that reducing the visibility of fossil fuel advertising can help shift consumer behavior towards more sustainable choices and support climate action goals. - Student lawsuit against the state of Illinois
Working with local students and national legal groups such as Our Children’s Trust to file suit against the state for failure to comply with Article XI of the state constitution, which requires the state, “to provide and maintain a healthful environment for the benefit of this and future generations.”
team LEAD
Jeff Green
Meetings
Meetings 2nd Thursday 6:30-7:30
(See website calendar for Zoom details.)