Trenton, NJ – Today, Middlesex County joins the State of New Jersey and the City of Hoboken in filing its own lawsuit against major oil companies for climate damages. Included in the lawsuit are international corporations such as BP P.L.C. and BP America Inc., Exxon Mobil Corp. and Exxon Oil Corp., Shell PLC and Shell USA, Inc., and others, as the County seeks damages for climate-related impacts.

The County’s lawsuit follows a summer of severe heatwaves and flooding, which left many New Jersey residents stranded or worse. The NJ Department of Health estimates that 29 people lost their lives as a result of extreme heat waves that pushed temperatures past 100 degrees, peaking near 108 degrees over the Fourth of July weekend.

In a press release today, the County said, “With rising temperatures, intense precipitation events, destructive floods and coastal storms, and frequent episodes of drought conditions, Middlesex County has faced severe financial consequences from global warming over several decades.”

Matthew Smith, New Jersey Director, Food & Water Watch stated:

Middlesex County taxpayers are the winners when the County acts to hold Big Oil accountable and recover costs associated with increased flooding and extreme heat. The lawsuit is some welcome relief to residents from a summer of hell with extreme heat and flooding only to be followed by a severe nor’easter.

Big Oil will never have Middlesex County residents’ best interests at heart. As New Jerseyans drive around town looking for gasoline under $4.20 a gallon and while Big Oil reap record profits, we must pursue lawsuits like Middlesex County filed today, and other accountability measures to ensure taxpayers and our state are protected and get a fair deal.

Christian Estevez, founder of the Latino Action Network stated:

Middlesex County is once again showing leadership in fighting for taxpayers. Families and businesses across Middlesex County are struggling with increased flooding and extreme heat. These challenges are compounded by the fact that the companies most responsible for climate change are not paying their fair share.

Latino Action Network commends Middlesex County Commissioners for demonstrating the leadership needed to provide much-needed relief from climate impacts that we know disproportionately impact people of color and lower income families.

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