Chevron Awarded $220 Million in Amazon Pollution Case in Ecuador w/ Paul Paz y Mino (G&R 447)

Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Green & Red: Podcasts for Scrappy Radicals

Episode: Chevron Awarded $220 Million in Amazon Pollution Case in Ecuador w/ Paul Paz y Mino (G&R 447)
Date: December 16, 2025
Host: Scott Parkin (Bob Buzzanco absent)
Guest: Paul Paz y Miño, Deputy Director, Amazon Watch

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Scott Parkin converses with Paul Paz y Miño about the recent Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) award, which requires Ecuador to pay Chevron $220 million over a long-standing Amazon pollution case. The episode explores the intricacies of the ruling, the mechanisms of international arbitration (ISDS), the legacy of environmental destruction in Ecuador's Amazon, and the implications for justice and sovereignty in Latin America.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Nature of the PCA Award ([02:01]-[05:17])

The PCA award is not a court judgment but an “award” by three hired arbiters, usually corporate lawyers.
Chevron argued Ecuador failed to protect it from lawsuits following deliberate pollution by Texaco (later merged into Chevron).
The $220 million is effectively compensation to Chevron for being sued, not for environmental damages inflicted.
Quote:

“The people of Ecuador are paying 220 million, or ostensibly would pay it, for the privilege of being poisoned deliberately by [Chevron] for decades.”
—Paul Paz y Miño [03:20]
Ecuador’s courts’ $9.5 billion judgment against Chevron (2011, upheld 2013), sought by affected communities, remains legally in effect and unannulled by this decision.

2. Explaining ISDS (Investor-State Dispute Settlement) ([05:17]-[06:46])

ISDS allows corporations to sue governments over measures they say harm investments, bypassing national courts.
ISDS is criticized as pro-corporate, undemocratic, and a tool for undermining sovereignty and local justice.
Cited examples of corporations using ISDS to suppress public-interest regulations in lower-income countries. Quote:

“It’s used consistently to advance corporate power and that’s exactly what Chevron did here.”
—Paul Paz y Miño [05:46]

3. Chevron’s Litigation Strategy and Forum Shopping ([07:15]-[10:47])

Chevron filed both ISDS and RICO suits to “forum shop” for a favorable outcome and stall accountability.
Their ultimate goal: to nullify the $9.5B Ecuador judgment and indemnify themselves for any future enforcement.
Despite seeking billions in damages and multiple forms of indemnity, the final award is $220 million—a fraction of what was sought.

4. Ecuadorian Politics and President Naboa’s Stance ([10:47]-[14:00])

Right-wing President Naboa preemptively set aside $2 billion to pay the prospective award, signaling compliance with the arbiters’ outcome.
Past Ecuadorian governments and referendums rejected ISDS, highlighting popular resistance.
Naboa’s administration is “spinning” the reduced award as a legal victory and blaming former leftist President Rafael Correa for the liability.

5. Impact on Affected Communities ([14:00]-[18:40])

Local affected organization UDAPT, representing 30,000+ impacted people, finds the award offensive—taxpayer money goes to Chevron, victims receive nothing.
Affected communities are seeking legal injunctions to seize any payment Chevron would receive, since by Ecuadorian law, Chevron assets are owed to the victims until the $9.5B judgment is paid.

6. Scale and Legacy of Pollution ([16:50]-[21:10])

Chevron (formerly Texaco) contaminated an area the size of Manhattan, affecting indigenous and non-indigenous populations.
Over 1,000 waste pits leach carcinogens into groundwater; Texaco saved $3/barrel by skipping proper disposal protocols—indicating conscious cost-cutting over safety.
The fundamental issue: environmental racism—Texaco/Chevron operated with impunity they’d never risk in the U.S.

7. Chevron’s Refuted Arguments Regarding Liability ([21:10]-[22:06])

Chevron claims it’s not responsible for Texaco’s actions post-merger, despite continued use of Texaco branding—an argument Paz y Miño describes as “bullshit.”
Highlights the audacity and precedent of corporate obfuscation and manipulation.

8. ISDS Proceedings’ Lack of Community Representation ([22:09]-[26:01])

Affected communities were not allowed to participate or defend themselves in ISDS; only the Ecuadorian government and Chevron had legal counsel present.
Chevron’s witness, former Ecuadorian judge Alberto Guerra (central to U.S. RICO case against Steven Donziger), admitted to being paid by Chevron and falsifying testimony.

Quote:

“If you take [Guerra’s] testimony out, all the other quote, unquote, evidence that Chevron submitted completely falls apart. So he’s… the key to it.”
—Paul Paz y Miño [26:01]

9. International Enforcement and Wider Regional Issues ([28:56]-[31:46])

Chevron has no assets in Ecuador, so collection of the $9.5B remains difficult; communities are exploring asset seizure wherever Chevron operates.
U.S. government has issued Chevron special licenses to operate in Venezuela despite sanctions, complicating regional politics.
Discussion touches on Naboa’s Trump alignment, political corruption, and U.S. influence in Latin America.

10. What Lies Ahead—Action and Solidarity ([32:03]-[35:59])

Legal efforts continue in Ecuador to seize any government payment to Chevron.
International and grassroots pressure campaigns are mobilizing against ISDS globally and in U.S. Congress.
Listeners are encouraged to take action via Amazon Watch and support moves to dismantle ISDS.
Quote:

“If there were ever a story to get people’s attention: Did you know that this group of arbiters made the people of Ecuador pay 220 million who were deliberately poisoned by Chevron and Chevron got a payday out of it? … That’s good branding for showing people the lopsidedness and unfairness of this system.”
—Paul Paz y Miño [35:08]

11. Maintaining the Historic $9.5B Judgment ([35:59]-[37:16])

The $9.5B Ecuadorian judgment stands; this new award does not invalidate it.
Every Ecuadorian, Canadian, and other judge reviewing the evidence has ruled in favor of the communities.

Quote:

“If there’s one thing that I’d want people listening to remember… this is in no way invalidating the true and impactful and super important judgment that the Ecuadorians won against Chevron. That $9.5 billion is still valid.”
—Paul Paz y Miño [36:14]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the PCA Award:
“The government of Ecuador needs to pay Chevron 220 million for the privilege of being poisoned deliberately by them for decades.” ([03:20], Paul Paz y Miño)
Chevron’s Legal Tactics:
“Chevron’s strategy was do everything they can to stop the wheels of justice because the evidence against them is so overwhelming.” ([08:45], Paul Paz y Miño)
On Environmental Racism:
“The underlying crux of all of this is a deep rooted environmental racism. In Ecuador they knew they could get away with it and no one was going to hold them to account.” ([19:30], Paul Paz y Miño)
On Lack of Community Representation:
“The affected communities were not even allowed to be in the room. They couldn’t participate at all.” ([22:26], Paul Paz y Miño)
On the Historic Community Win:
“Every judge who has looked at the evidence of what happened in Ecuador has ruled on behalf of the communities, every single one.” ([36:54], Paul Paz y Miño)

Timestamps for Important Segments

[02:01] — What the PCA "award" really means (not a court ruling)
[05:32] — What is ISDS and how does it work against social/environmental justice
[07:15], [08:45] — Chevron’s litigation strategy, forum shopping, and the RICO case
[10:52] — Politics: Naboa’s response, right-wing spin, referendums on ISDS
[14:00], [18:40] — Community impact, legal attempts to seize the award for victims
[16:50] — Scale of contamination, Texaco’s deliberate cost-saving pollution scheme
[22:09] — ISDS process excludes affected communities, exposes legal bias
[26:01] — Testimony of Alberto Guerra, key to Chevron’s defense
[32:03] — Next steps: legal battles, grassroots resistance, international solidarity
[35:59] — The standing of the $9.5B community judgment

Action and Takeaways

The PCA award is a dangerous precedent: polluters are rewarded, victims ignored.
The affected Ecuadorian communities continue to assert their legal and moral right to compensation.
The ISDS system is structurally biased, undemocratic, and used as a tool for corporate impunity.
Listeners can support affected communities via direct action, campaigns, and pressure on the U.S. Congress to oppose ISDS.

Tone & Style

Throughout, the discussion is frank, impassioned, and grounded in a solidarity-driven, anti-corporate analysis. Both host and guest are deeply informed, using sharp language to critique injustice and rally listeners to resistance. Examples include referring to the ruling as “a defeat for justice,” calling Chevron’s arguments “bullshit,” and emphasizing the need to “make trouble and misbehave.”

Further Resources

Amazon Watch - Take Action
Public Citizen reports on ISDS
Past Green & Red episode with Lisa Sachs on ISDS and sovereignty

Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Green & Red: Podcasts for Scrappy Radicals

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Nature of the PCA Award ([02:01]-[05:17])

The PCA award is not a court judgment but an “award” by three hired arbiters, usually corporate lawyers.
Chevron argued Ecuador failed to protect it from lawsuits following deliberate pollution by Texaco (later merged into Chevron).
The $220 million is effectively compensation to Chevron for being sued, not for environmental damages inflicted.
Quote:

“The people of Ecuador are paying 220 million, or ostensibly would pay it, for the privilege of being poisoned deliberately by [Chevron] for decades.”
—Paul Paz y Miño [03:20]
Ecuador’s courts’ $9.5 billion judgment against Chevron (2011, upheld 2013), sought by affected communities, remains legally in effect and unannulled by this decision.

2. Explaining ISDS (Investor-State Dispute Settlement) ([05:17]-[06:46])

ISDS allows corporations to sue governments over measures they say harm investments, bypassing national courts.
ISDS is criticized as pro-corporate, undemocratic, and a tool for undermining sovereignty and local justice.
Cited examples of corporations using ISDS to suppress public-interest regulations in lower-income countries. Quote:

“It’s used consistently to advance corporate power and that’s exactly what Chevron did here.”
—Paul Paz y Miño [05:46]

3. Chevron’s Litigation Strategy and Forum Shopping ([07:15]-[10:47])

Chevron filed both ISDS and RICO suits to “forum shop” for a favorable outcome and stall accountability.
Their ultimate goal: to nullify the $9.5B Ecuador judgment and indemnify themselves for any future enforcement.
Despite seeking billions in damages and multiple forms of indemnity, the final award is $220 million—a fraction of what was sought.

4. Ecuadorian Politics and President Naboa’s Stance ([10:47]-[14:00])

Right-wing President Naboa preemptively set aside $2 billion to pay the prospective award, signaling compliance with the arbiters’ outcome.
Past Ecuadorian governments and referendums rejected ISDS, highlighting popular resistance.
Naboa’s administration is “spinning” the reduced award as a legal victory and blaming former leftist President Rafael Correa for the liability.

5. Impact on Affected Communities ([14:00]-[18:40])

Local affected organization UDAPT, representing 30,000+ impacted people, finds the award offensive—taxpayer money goes to Chevron, victims receive nothing.
Affected communities are seeking legal injunctions to seize any payment Chevron would receive, since by Ecuadorian law, Chevron assets are owed to the victims until the $9.5B judgment is paid.

6. Scale and Legacy of Pollution ([16:50]-[21:10])

Chevron (formerly Texaco) contaminated an area the size of Manhattan, affecting indigenous and non-indigenous populations.
Over 1,000 waste pits leach carcinogens into groundwater; Texaco saved $3/barrel by skipping proper disposal protocols—indicating conscious cost-cutting over safety.
The fundamental issue: environmental racism—Texaco/Chevron operated with impunity they’d never risk in the U.S.

7. Chevron’s Refuted Arguments Regarding Liability ([21:10]-[22:06])

Chevron claims it’s not responsible for Texaco’s actions post-merger, despite continued use of Texaco branding—an argument Paz y Miño describes as “bullshit.”
Highlights the audacity and precedent of corporate obfuscation and manipulation.

8. ISDS Proceedings’ Lack of Community Representation ([22:09]-[26:01])

Affected communities were not allowed to participate or defend themselves in ISDS; only the Ecuadorian government and Chevron had legal counsel present.
Chevron’s witness, former Ecuadorian judge Alberto Guerra (central to U.S. RICO case against Steven Donziger), admitted to being paid by Chevron and falsifying testimony.

Quote:

“If you take [Guerra’s] testimony out, all the other quote, unquote, evidence that Chevron submitted completely falls apart. So he’s… the key to it.”
—Paul Paz y Miño [26:01]

9. International Enforcement and Wider Regional Issues ([28:56]-[31:46])

Chevron has no assets in Ecuador, so collection of the $9.5B remains difficult; communities are exploring asset seizure wherever Chevron operates.
U.S. government has issued Chevron special licenses to operate in Venezuela despite sanctions, complicating regional politics.
Discussion touches on Naboa’s Trump alignment, political corruption, and U.S. influence in Latin America.

10. What Lies Ahead—Action and Solidarity ([32:03]-[35:59])

Legal efforts continue in Ecuador to seize any government payment to Chevron.
International and grassroots pressure campaigns are mobilizing against ISDS globally and in U.S. Congress.
Listeners are encouraged to take action via Amazon Watch and support moves to dismantle ISDS.
Quote:

“If there were ever a story to get people’s attention: Did you know that this group of arbiters made the people of Ecuador pay 220 million who were deliberately poisoned by Chevron and Chevron got a payday out of it? … That’s good branding for showing people the lopsidedness and unfairness of this system.”
—Paul Paz y Miño [35:08]

11. Maintaining the Historic $9.5B Judgment ([35:59]-[37:16])

The $9.5B Ecuadorian judgment stands; this new award does not invalidate it.
Every Ecuadorian, Canadian, and other judge reviewing the evidence has ruled in favor of the communities.

Quote:

“If there’s one thing that I’d want people listening to remember… this is in no way invalidating the true and impactful and super important judgment that the Ecuadorians won against Chevron. That $9.5 billion is still valid.”
—Paul Paz y Miño [36:14]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the PCA Award:
“The government of Ecuador needs to pay Chevron 220 million for the privilege of being poisoned deliberately by them for decades.” ([03:20], Paul Paz y Miño)
Chevron’s Legal Tactics:
“Chevron’s strategy was do everything they can to stop the wheels of justice because the evidence against them is so overwhelming.” ([08:45], Paul Paz y Miño)
On Environmental Racism:
“The underlying crux of all of this is a deep rooted environmental racism. In Ecuador they knew they could get away with it and no one was going to hold them to account.” ([19:30], Paul Paz y Miño)
On Lack of Community Representation:
“The affected communities were not even allowed to be in the room. They couldn’t participate at all.” ([22:26], Paul Paz y Miño)
On the Historic Community Win:
“Every judge who has looked at the evidence of what happened in Ecuador has ruled on behalf of the communities, every single one.” ([36:54], Paul Paz y Miño)

Timestamps for Important Segments

[02:01] — What the PCA "award" really means (not a court ruling)
[05:32] — What is ISDS and how does it work against social/environmental justice
[07:15], [08:45] — Chevron’s litigation strategy, forum shopping, and the RICO case
[10:52] — Politics: Naboa’s response, right-wing spin, referendums on ISDS
[14:00], [18:40] — Community impact, legal attempts to seize the award for victims
[16:50] — Scale of contamination, Texaco’s deliberate cost-saving pollution scheme
[22:09] — ISDS process excludes affected communities, exposes legal bias
[26:01] — Testimony of Alberto Guerra, key to Chevron’s defense
[32:03] — Next steps: legal battles, grassroots resistance, international solidarity
[35:59] — The standing of the $9.5B community judgment

Action and Takeaways

The PCA award is a dangerous precedent: polluters are rewarded, victims ignored.
The affected Ecuadorian communities continue to assert their legal and moral right to compensation.
The ISDS system is structurally biased, undemocratic, and used as a tool for corporate impunity.
Listeners can support affected communities via direct action, campaigns, and pressure on the U.S. Congress to oppose ISDS.

Tone & Style

Further Resources

Amazon Watch - Take Action
Public Citizen reports on ISDS
Past Green & Red episode with Lisa Sachs on ISDS and sovereignty

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Summary

Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Green & Red: Podcasts for Scrappy Radicals

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Nature of the PCA Award ([02:01]-[05:17])

2. Explaining ISDS (Investor-State Dispute Settlement) ([05:17]-[06:46])

3. Chevron’s Litigation Strategy and Forum Shopping ([07:15]-[10:47])

4. Ecuadorian Politics and President Naboa’s Stance ([10:47]-[14:00])

5. Impact on Affected Communities ([14:00]-[18:40])

6. Scale and Legacy of Pollution ([16:50]-[21:10])

7. Chevron’s Refuted Arguments Regarding Liability ([21:10]-[22:06])

8. ISDS Proceedings’ Lack of Community Representation ([22:09]-[26:01])

9. International Enforcement and Wider Regional Issues ([28:56]-[31:46])

10. What Lies Ahead—Action and Solidarity ([32:03]-[35:59])

11. Maintaining the Historic $9.5B Judgment ([35:59]-[37:16])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Action and Takeaways

Tone & Style

Further Resources

Summary

Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Green & Red: Podcasts for Scrappy Radicals

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Nature of the PCA Award ([02:01]-[05:17])

2. Explaining ISDS (Investor-State Dispute Settlement) ([05:17]-[06:46])

3. Chevron’s Litigation Strategy and Forum Shopping ([07:15]-[10:47])

4. Ecuadorian Politics and President Naboa’s Stance ([10:47]-[14:00])

5. Impact on Affected Communities ([14:00]-[18:40])

6. Scale and Legacy of Pollution ([16:50]-[21:10])

7. Chevron’s Refuted Arguments Regarding Liability ([21:10]-[22:06])

8. ISDS Proceedings’ Lack of Community Representation ([22:09]-[26:01])

9. International Enforcement and Wider Regional Issues ([28:56]-[31:46])

10. What Lies Ahead—Action and Solidarity ([32:03]-[35:59])

11. Maintaining the Historic $9.5B Judgment ([35:59]-[37:16])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Action and Takeaways

Tone & Style

Further Resources