Oregon has expanded its $50 billion lawsuit against fossil fuel companies to include NW Natural, the state’s largest natural gas provider. Originally filed by Multnomah County, the lawsuit alleges that NW Natural, along with major players like Exxon and Shell, knowingly contributed to climate change while misleading the public about the risks of burning fossil fuels. Experts say this is the first time a gas utility has been named as a defendant in a case of this kind.

The lawsuit seeks damages for climate-related harm, including the devastating 2021 heatwave. NW Natural denies the allegations, calling the lawsuit flawed, while Exxon disputes the claims, citing its commitment to lower-emission initiatives.