Republican lawmakers have introduced companion bills in the House and Senate that would provide oil and gas companies with broad legal immunity from climate-related lawsuits and policies seeking to hold the industry accountable for emissions-related damages.

The legislation is being led by Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming in the House and Senator Ted Cruz of Texas in the Senate. The bills would protect oil and gas companies from legal challenges aimed at making them pay for their role in climate change.

Climate advocates have criticized the proposed legislation, describing it as an attempt to shield major oil companies from accountability for their environmental impact. Environmental groups argue the bills would protect what they characterize as polluting industries at the expense of climate protection efforts.

The bills come as the oil and gas industry faces increasing legal pressure from various jurisdictions seeking compensation for climate-related damages. Multiple lawsuits across the country have attempted to hold fossil fuel companies financially responsible for the costs of addressing climate change impacts.

The legislation reflects ongoing tensions between Republican lawmakers, who generally support reduced regulation of the energy industry, and climate advocates who seek greater corporate accountability for environmental damages. The bills would need to pass both chambers of Congress to become law.