Oregon’s biggest county sues fossil fuel companies for $52B two years after deadly heat dome

Boise State Public Radio News | By Murphy Woodhouse

Published June 26, 2023 at 11:00 AM MDT

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This NASA map illustrates how much average temperatures were exceeded during the heat dome.

In late June 2021, the Pacific Northwest Heat Dome brought unprecedented, deadly temperatures to the region. Portland, Oregon reached a record-setting 116 degrees, and local officials say 69 people – mostly older residents – died during the extraordinary week. Now Multnomah County, home to Portland, is suing a number of fossil fuel companies and organizations.

In late June 2021, the Pacific Northwest Heat Dome brought unprecedented, deadly temperatures to the region. Portland, Oregon reached a record-setting 116 degrees, and local officials say 69 people – mostly older residents – died during the extraordinary week. Now Multnomah County, home to Portland, is suing a number of fossil fuel companies and organizations.