Chevron found guilty! But will they pay?

You can run…

Here’s the Rainforest Action Network’s statement on the court victory:

“As of today, Chevron’s guilt for extensive oil contamination in the Amazon rainforest is official. It is time Chevron takes responsibility for these environmental and public health damages, which they have fought for the past 18 years.

“Today’s ruling in Ecuador against Chevron proves overwhelmingly that the oil giant is responsible for billions gallons of highly toxic waste sludge deliberately dumped into local streams and rivers, which thousands depend on for drinking, bathing, and fishing.

“Chevron has spent the last 18 years waging unprecedented public relations and lobbying campaigns to avoid cleaning up the environmental and public health catastrophe it left in the Amazon rainforest. Today’s guilty verdict sends a loud and clear message: It is time Chevron clean up its disastrous mess in Ecuador.

“Today’s case is historic and unprecedented. It is the first time Indigenous people have sued a multinational corporation in the country where the crime was committed and won.

“Today’s historic ruling against Chevron is a testament to the strength of the Ecuadorian people who have spent 18 years bringing Chevron to justice while suffering the effects of the company’s extensive oil contamination.”

… But you can’t hide billion of gallons of toxins

According to the Amazon Defense Coalition, Chevron’s behavior has included:

• Dumping millions of gallons of toxic waste in the jungle, then walking away.
• When they were first sued, claiming the court in New York had no jurisdiction, and Chevron could only be sued in Ecuador.
• After the trial was moved to Ecuador, trying to get it dismissed there as well.
• Filing large numbers of frivolous motions (leading to its legal team being sanctioned by the court)
• Putting out fake news reports that appear independent
• Trying to pay a journalist to spy on the plaintiffs
• Setting up dummy corporations in Ecuador to hide the company’s role in testing soil samples
• Mounting a sting operation to entrap an Ecuadorian judge presiding over the case
• In January, trying to get the 18-year-old case dismissed on the specious grounds that some of the signatures of the tribespeople didn’t match up exactly with those on their ID cards.

Clearly, they intend to drag this out for another 8 to 18 years… rather than doing the right thing and cleaning up the mess they made and paying for the damages. In the meantime, the people who live in the once-pristine jungle continue to die of cancers.

What you can do:

• Learn more of the backstory at ChevronToxico.com andCrudeTheMovie.com.
• Purchase the documentary on the case, “Crude”, and help support the litigation.
• Send a message to Chevron.
• Friend the campaign on Facebook.
• Friend Red Green and Blue on Facebook to keep up with our coverage of this issue.

More on Chevron:

• Chevron is at it again
• Chevron sues Amazon natives it poisoned with toxins
• Chevron Takes Responsibility For Environmental Damage. Haha. Just Kidding!
• I Can Haz Oilburger? Punking of Chevron Continues
• Fifth Judge for Chevron Amazon hearing withdraws
• Chevron Found Guilty! But Still Trying to Avoid its Responsibility
• 
  

(Photo from Rainforest Action Network)