Annapolis lawsuit

The City of Annapolis has filed a lawsuit against 26 oil and gas companies for violating the Maryland Consumer Protection Act (The Capital, Feb. 24). Reportedly, 25 other states and local government bodies have filed similar lawsuits.

What is the logic for blaming the fossil fuel industry for the cost and consequences of climate change? The fossil fuel industry provides essential energy to the consumers of its products. While there are emissions associated with the production of fossil fuels, it is primarily the consumption of fossil fuels that increases the CO2 emissions that have been correlated with increasing worldwide temperatures.

If there were no consumers of this energy, the fossil fuel industry would cease to exist. Perhaps the lawsuit should be redirected against all of the people who choose to consume fossil fuels?

To reduce the consumption of fossil fuels in the plaintiffs’ jurisdictions’, the oil companies could close all of their gas stations. Next, the gas companies could shut down their natural gas supply lines to all homes and other buildings. All citizens should immediately stop consuming fossil fuels. Park your gasoline-powered vehicles. No more trips on airplanes, powerboats, or cruise ships. No more stays in hotels or eating at restaurants that consume fossil fuels. Finally, shut off electricity to your homes for 15 hours/day since fossil fuels currently provide 63% of your electrical power.

Naturally, no one wants to go completely off-the-grid and live without the conveniences provided to support our modernday lifestyles. Is it important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Sure, and progress is being made, primarily with the shutdown of coalfired electric plants and the increase in natural gas-fired generators and wind turbine generators.

Mayor Gavin Buckley, how does this litigation help direct resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Annapolis?

Ed Riehl, Odenton