The state of New Jersey is suing oil and gas companies like Exxon, Shell and BP.

State officials say that these companies knew about the dangers of climate change for years but continued to deny it existed.

The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General is seeking damages for the loss of property and wetlands in natural disasters like Superstorm Sandy.

“It’s long overdue that these betrayals of their consumers and the public come to an end,” says Attorney General Matt Platkin. “The perpetrators of these lies pay for their conduct and that the people of New Jersey receive restitution for all they have lost.”

It was not immediately clear how much the state is seeking in damages.