June 23 2019 - Holding Fossil Fuel Companies Accountable, Seattle Poised to Take Legal Action

“These oils companies, and the entire fossil fuel industry, need to be held accountable for their acts of genocide against Indigenous peoples and the earth." LaDonna Bravebull-Allard (Lakota/Dakota)

Seattle, WA - On June 24th, Seattle city attorney Pete Holmes will be joining members of Mazaska Talks, 350 Seattle and the Seattle Peoples Party at a press conference to announce his intention to take legal action against the fossil fuel industry.

“Seattle for a Green New Deal is calling for the fossil fuel industry to be held accountable, and I support that,” said City Attorney Pete Holmes. “The fossil fuel industry has caused immeasurable harm to our society, and I intend to do everything in my power to make sure that fossil fuel companies pay their fair share for the mess they have caused.”

Fossil fuel companies have known about global warming since the 1970s. Over four decades ago, Exxon scientists told Exxon executives that global warming was being caused by the burning of fossil fuels and would have devastating impacts on our planet. Exxon then spent a good part of the next four decades funneling tens of millions of dollars into climate denial and disinformation campaigns.

To date, thirteen U.S. cities, states or counties have filed legal action against the fossil fuel industry. The 9th Circuit is expected to rule on the San Francisco case in 2020; a decision that will impact the route that City Attorney Holmes takes to hold the industry accountable.

"We embrace a diversity of tactics in our efforts to protect our families, Tribes, communities, our non-human relatives and our mother Unci Maka. These capitalist only understand the value of profit, we understand the value of life, so we will go after them in the areas that they value the most, their pocketbook. The climate has changed, environments are already damaged, communities are suffering the consequences from fossil fuel industry greed now. We come together to say no more," said Matt Remle (Lakota) co-founder of Mazaska Talks.

Speakers include: Councilmember O'Brien, Attorney Homes, 350 organizer Alec Connon, Mazaska Talks co-founders Matt Remle and Rachel Heaton and Sacred Stone Camp founder LaDonna Bravebull-Allard.

Mazaska Talks, 350 Seattle and the Seattle Peoples Party have been advocated for the city to take legal action for fossil fuel companies for the past couple years.

What: Holding the Fossil Fuel Industry Accountable - Press Conference

When: Monday, June 24th, 12PM

Where: Seattle City Hall, 2nd Floor

For more information go to events page here.