In February 2011, Chevron was found liable for $8.6 billion in environmental cleanup costs in a historic class-action lawsuit in the Ecuadorian Amazon, the roots of which date back over 40 years to Texaco's oil operations in the region. The suit alleges, in essence, that Texaco (now owned by Chevron), which produced oil in Ecuador from 1964 to 1990, caused the largest oil-related environmental catastrophe in the world. Overwhelming scientific evidence gathered at trial, much of it by Chevron's own scientists, demonstrates that the region's soil and water are contaminated with toxic chemicals due to Texaco's completely inadequate waste management practices, implemented to save money and with the expectation that the company would never be taken to task for them. Now, plaintiffs seek compensation from Chevron for the devastation of their environment, and a legacy of pervasive health problems including cancer and birth defects.

This case is the first time indigenous people have forced a multinational corporation to stand trial in their own country for violating their human rights. A victory for the Ecuadorian plaintiffs will set a vitally important precedent for environmental justice cases everywhere. It will send shockwaves through the world of multinational extractive industry – the days of “pollute and run” are over.

Click here to view a timeline of Chevron's actions in Ecuador and trial events.