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EnvironmentTotalEnergies appeals French court ruling on climate duty of vigilance
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TotalEnergies has appealed a June 25 Paris Judicial Court ruling brought by environmental groups under France's duty of vigilance law. The company argues the judgment extends the law beyond its intended purpose, asserting that climate change is a global issue for governments, not corporate duty of vigilance. TotalEnergies contends the law covers risks from its own operations and supply chain, not customer product use, and that it cannot control consumer energy choices. It also notes the European CSDDD does not extend due diligence to customer activities. The Paris Court of Appeal will hear the case.
Source report
By Charles Kennedy Oilprice.com Mon, July 27, 2026 | 2 min read
TotalEnergies has filed an appeal against a June 25 ruling by the Paris Judicial Court in a case brought by environmental groups under France's duty of vigilance law. The company challenges the court's interpretation of corporate responsibility for climate-related impacts.
Company's Position
TotalEnergies stated that its Board of Directors approved the appeal after concluding that the judgment extends the scope of the law beyond its intended purpose. The company argues that climate change is a global issue that should be addressed by governments through international cooperation, rather than through the duty of vigilance framework.
The company noted that the French Public Prosecutor's Office supported this interpretation during the proceedings, stating that climate change is primarily the responsibility of the international community of states.
Scope of the Law
TotalEnergies contends that the law is designed to address risks arising from a company's own operations, subsidiaries, suppliers, and subcontractors—not the activities of customers who use its products. The company said it cannot control how consumers choose to use energy, whether through gasoline-powered vehicles, biofuels, or electric vehicles, and instead focuses on providing customers with their preferred energy options.
Broader Implications
The company further argued that requiring businesses in sectors such as energy, automotive, aerospace, and defense to manage risks stemming from customer use of their products would conflict with the objectives of the law, as well as principles of legal certainty and the freedom to conduct business.
TotalEnergies also pointed to the European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), noting that the directive does not extend due diligence obligations to customers' activities.
Next Steps
The appeal will now be considered by the Paris Court of Appeal, where TotalEnergies said it intends to advance these legal arguments.
By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com
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TotalEnergies Appeals French Court Ruling on Climate Duty of Vigilance