New York City Takes on Big Oil and Gets Smacked by Big Oil Logic

Posted by John Donovan; 15 January 25

In the latest episode of “Corporate Giants Always Win,” New York City’s lawsuit against the holy trinity of environmental destruction—Exxon, BP, and Shell—was dismissed faster than you can say “greenwashing.” If you thought justice might take a stand against these polluting powerhouses, think again. Turns out, climate accountability in the U.S. courts is just a mirage, much like Shell’s commitment to renewable energy.

The Case: New York vs. Oil Titans

New York City, home to 8.3 million climate-conscious souls, had the audacity to suggest that Exxon Mobil, BP, and Shell should face consequences for decades of misleading the public about their products’ contributions to climate change. The city accused them of running glossy ad campaigns that painted a picture of clean, green energy leadership while they continued to rake in billions from fossil fuels. Shell, of course, doesn’t let accusations like that ruffle its feathers—after all, they’ve perfected the art of looking green while being anything but.

The lawsuit sought civil fines and an end to this supposed “greenwashing.” But State Supreme Court Justice Anar Patel wasn’t having any of it. According to Patel, New Yorkers couldn’t simultaneously know fossil fuels cause climate change and claim to be misled by oil companies’ marketing campaigns. In other words, the city “can’t have it both ways.” Translation? You already know they’re lying, so you can’t sue them for it. WTF?

Greenwashing? What Greenwashing?

Justice Patel also found no evidence of any real “greenwashing” by the defendants, brushing off statements like Exxon’s claim that its fuel helps people drive “cleaner, smarter, and longer” as too vague to be deceptive. Sure, because when Big Oil spends millions on marketing campaigns about sustainability, it’s obviously just a coincidence that people think they care about the planet.

Let’s not forget that Shell, backed by major investors like BlackRock, has spent years touting its investments in clean energy while dedicating a whopping 1-2% of its capital expenditures to renewables. With a commitment like that, who wouldn’t believe Shell is saving the planet one oil rig at a time?

Meanwhile, in Honolulu…

Adding a touch of irony to the proceedings, the dismissal came just one day after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed Honolulu’s climate lawsuit against these same oil companies to move forward. Apparently, New York didn’t get the memo about which courts are in the mood to take on Big Oil this week.

Shell: The Eternal Sin Stock

Let’s not pretend this outcome is surprising. Shell, Exxon, and BP have perfected the game. Shell, in particular, has turned greenwashing into an art form. Need proof? Look no further than their marketing blitz around renewable energy, which is roughly as genuine as their concern for sea turtles. And why would they bother with real change when their biggest backers, like BlackRock, are happy to keep the cash flowing?

These companies aren’t just selling oil; they’re selling the illusion of progress.

Let’s call it what it is: a win for Big Oil, a loss for the planet, and yet another reminder that the game is rigged. Exxon, BP, and Shell walk away unscathed, while New York’s climate-conscious residents are left with… well, nothing. Not even a civil fine to show for their trouble.

Here’s the kicker: this isn’t just about New York. It’s about every state and city that dares to stand up to Big Oil. It’s about the courts shrugging off climate accountability while these companies continue their march toward planetary destruction.

What Can We Do?

•Call Out the Enablers: Major investors like BlackRock are complicit in this charade. Their ESG talk is as empty as Shell’s promises.

•Support Climate Litigation: Cases like Honolulu’s lawsuit against Big Oil could set a precedent—if the courts are willing to listen.

•Expose the Greenwashing: Don’t let vague marketing slogans fool you. Share the truth about how little these companies invest in real clean energy.

Final WTF

Let’s face it: Shell, Exxon, and BP are untouchable for now. But the fight isn’t over. Until we see real accountability, keep asking the tough questions, keep exposing the lies, and keep saying WTF. Because if we don’t, who will?

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