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Killer beetles, tinderbox forests: Climate change takes center stage in SCOTUS battle over oil companies
Boulder says it has spent millions on road repairs and utility upgrades as climate-amplified harms drive the lawsuit.
On Monday, the Supreme Court hears arguments in Washington regarding a lawsuit from Boulder and Boulder County against Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy over climate-related financial damages.
Boulder and Boulder County filed the 2018 lawsuit under public nuisance law, alleging companies 'knowingly caused and contributed' to climate change while concealing dangers from pine beetle devastation.
Dan Gibbs, head of Colorado's Department of Natural Resources, noted the cost to state taxpayers is $10,000 per acre, with dead trees creating fire hazards and watershed impacts affecting Coloradans.
West Virginia Solicitor General Michael Williams joined 25 other states backing the companies, warning that allowing the suits could lead to higher gas prices or cause industries to 'shutter entirely.'
Longtime Boulder resident Paul Chinowsky noted climate change accelerates maintenance costs for drainage and road repairs, arguing the industry should contribute to addressing alleged harms despite continued fossil fuel necessity.