What does Preamble of Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to prohibit liability against entities involved in the energy sector. The scope of protection extends to those engaged in mining, extraction, production, refinement, transportation, distribution, marketing, manufacture, or sale of energy. The prohibition covers damages and injunctive or other relief related to the use of energy products.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026.

What does CONGRESSIONAL DECLARATION; PURPOSES; FINDINGS. of Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026 do?

This section declares that effective action is required to develop energy sources, increase economic productivity, achieve energy self-sufficiency, and promote affordable energy. The Act's purposes include regulating interstate commerce and promoting the production and use of affordable, abundant, and reliable energy resources. Congress finds that affordable energy is a necessary component of the general welfare and promotes national security and citizen welfare. The section asserts that regulating interstate emissions is within federal jurisdiction and that state efforts to impose liability for such emissions invade federal authority. It finds that attributing local weather events to energy businesses lacks scientific credibility and that retroactive liability for lawful conduct is unfair. Congress expresses concern that certain state and municipal actions strain the judiciary, erode public confidence, threaten industries, and burden interstate commerce. The section argues that these actions undermine national security by impacting the readiness of the Armed Forces. It contends that these actions offend the equal sovereign dignity of states and invade their autonomy. The section cites the Commerce Clause of the Constitution as authorizing Congress to regulate commerce and craft necessary legislation.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026 do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. A 'climate suit' is defined as a legal action against an entity in the energy business seeking damages or relief related to alleged harm from climate change, including claims based on marketing or failure to warn. ’Energy’ is defined to include crude oil, natural gas, coal, and related products. An 'energy penalty law' is a state law that attempts to hold energy businesses liable for costs or harms related to climate change. ’Person engaged in the energy business’ refers to those involved in the mining, extraction, production, or sale of energy as a regular business. A 'qualified liability action' encompasses climate suits and actions enforcing energy penalty laws against entities in the energy business. ’State’ includes various U.S. territories, political subdivisions, and state officials acting officially.

What does PROHIBITION ON ENERGY PENALTY LAWS AND THE BRINGING OF of Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026 do?

This section prohibits the filing or maintenance of qualified liability actions in federal or state courts. Pending qualified liability actions are to be immediately dismissed upon enactment of this Act. Energy penalty laws are declared void and of no effect. Federal law exclusively governs the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, preempting state laws. No private right of action or claim related to climate change-related harms from greenhouse gas emissions can be maintained under state law.

What does SEVERABILITY. of Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a severability clause for the Act. If a portion of the Act is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining provisions will still apply. The application of a provision to specific individuals or situations may also be affected differently than others.

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Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/16/2026 · Introduced: 4/16/2026

Author: Ted Cruz (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill preempts state laws that attempt to hold energy businesses liable for costs or harms related to climate change, declaring such laws void.
It prohibits the filing of new lawsuits (referred to as 'climate suits') against entities in the energy business seeking damages related to alleged climate change harms, and requires the dismissal of pending such lawsuits.
The bill establishes that federal law exclusively governs the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, preventing private claims related to climate change harms under state law.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

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