Three US states—California, Hawaii, and New York—are considering bills to allow state attorneys general to sue major fossil fuel companies. This move targets the rising costs of home insurance driven by climate disasters like wildfires, floods, and hurricanes. "The cost of home insurance in California is an absolute crisis," said state senator Scott Wiener, author of California's bill. After California's deadly wildfires in 2025 destroyed over 18,000 homes, insurance premiums spiked sharply. Many residents faced denied claims and cancellations. Rasheed Ali, who lost his house in the Eaton fire, said, "We had insurance, but insurance didn’t mean we were protected." In New York, insurance rates rose 19% since 2018, with some Brooklyn homes seeing premiums more than double between 2020 and 2023. Hawaii experienced similar woes after the 2023 Maui wildfires caused $2.3 billion in claims, with some policyholders dropped by insurers. Senator Jarrett Keohokalole said, "They just packed up and left." The proposals target fossil fuel businesses with at least $500 million in value operating in these states. Funds won in court could help pay rising insurance costs and support public insurance plans. California plans to use recovered funds to also fire-proof homes of low and middle-income families. Hawaii and New York bills would also let insurers sue fossil fuel firms directly after disasters. Oil industry groups like the American Petroleum Institute and Western States Petroleum Association oppose the bills, warning of economic harm and state overreach. Dolores Huerta, a labor organizer, emphasized the need to organize against powerful oil opposition. Backers highlight that fossil fuel companies must pay their fair share for the crisis they helped fuel, especially as federal disaster support shrinks. Similar lawsuits and laws are growing around the US, aiming to hold big oil accountable for climate damage. Hawaii senator Keohokalole summed it up: "Residents shouldn’t have to pay for the risk mitigation of private entities, full stop. It’s time for a comeuppance."