For oil and gas companies, bringing so-called Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) cases against climate activists have become an effective way to avoid impediments to business operations. However, that tactic is not without its drawbacks.
Bracewell’s John Gilbert told Energy Intelligence that oil companies have to be wary of being cast as bullies if they sue protesters.
“I think it’s a really hard decision to make as a supermajor,” Gilbert said. Some may prefer to take climate criticism on the chin and opt to stay under the radar given that filing suits against activists “potentially exposes you to more,” he added.
