On Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. ET, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, will hold a hybrid hearing to examine how the fossil fuel industry is weaponizing the law to stifle First Amendment protected speech and stymie efforts to combat climate change by abusing Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participations (SLAPPs) and anti-protest laws.
Since the 1980s, SLAPPs have been used by powerful entities and individuals to silence critics through costly, lengthy, and often meritless litigation. These lawsuits have recently been employed by the fossil fuel industry to target environmental activists and non-profits by claiming defamation, trespass, and even racketeering to deter them from speaking out against proposed fossil fuel pipelines and other projects that contribute to climate change.
In response to increased protest activity surrounding fossil fuel pipelines, 17 states have enacted anti-protest laws as of June 2022, labeling them “critical infrastructure protection laws.” These laws are selectively enacted and enforced to target environmental activists and protect corporate interests.
The fossil fuel industry’s use of SLAPPs and support for anti-protest laws not only stifles free speech, but also serves as another form of disinformation about climate change. After years of spreading denial and disinformation, fossil fuel companies now acknowledge the existence of climate change but are attempting to ensure their greenwashing narrative dominates by silencing opposing views.
| WHAT:
| Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties hearing entitled, “Free Speech Under Attack (Part III): The Legal Assault on Environmental Activists and the First Amendment”
|
| WHEN: | Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. ET
|
| WHO:
| Prof. Anita Ramasastry
Henry M. Jackson Professor of Law University of Washington School of Law Elly Page Senior Legal Advisor International Center for Not-for-Profit Law Deepa Padmanabha Deputy General Counsel Greenpeace USA Anne White Hat Sicangu Lakota L’eau Est La Vie Camp Additional witnesses to be announced |
| WATCH: | A livestream will be available on YouTube and the Committee on Oversight and Reform website. |
MEDIA:
Seating in the hearing room is limited and as a result, credentialed media must RSVP to the Oversight Committee Democrats Press Office at oversightpress@mail.house.gov no later than 6 p.m. ET on September 13, 2022.
Original source can be found here.
