TO THE EDITOR:

Finally, some good news on the climate crisis front, and home-grown, at that. Minnesota’s own attorney general is suing ExxonMobil, the American Petroleum Institute, and Koch Industries for lying to the public about climate change science. Their own internal documents prove that 30 years ago they well understood their fossil fuels were causing “dramatic environmental effects.” Since then, they have spent millions to undermine the science, cast it as an unsupported theory, and fan climate change denialism, including paying for fake front groups with scientific and environmental-sounding names. Fortunately, Minnesota has laws against consumer fraud, deceptive trade practices, failure to warn, and false advertising.  

Our Minnesota lawsuit itemizes costs to us such as flood relief and negative health impacts, and seeks redress from the industry’s massive ill-gotten profits, to the tune of billions of dollars. In addition, we are demanding a public education campaign aiming to undo the legacy of lies they’ve perpetrated. If this sounds familiar, it’s because Minnesota filed and won a similar suit against the tobacco industry. If we win against Big Oil, we will blaze the way for others. I’m so proud to call this state my home. Go Minnesota!

Renee Cardarelle, Annandale
Susie Osaki Holm, St. Cloud
Lee Morgan, Annandale