US Supreme Court wrestles with oil companies' bid to scuttle climate lawsuit
Justices weighed whether federal law blocks Boulder’s damages claims, a ruling that could affect nearly 60 similar lawsuits nationwide.
- On Monday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Suncor v. Boulder, a lawsuit where Boulder County seeks damages from Suncor Energy and ExxonMobil for alleged climate change contributions affecting local communities.
- Boulder County initiated this litigation in 2018, arguing that Suncor and ExxonMobil are liable under local tort laws for public nuisance and failing to warn consumers about extreme weather risks.
- Chief Justice John Roberts expressed concern about letting individual cities sue, asking whether this would trigger nationwide litigation. Energy companies contend that federal law, specifically the Clean Air Act of 1970, preempts state authority.
- Justice Samuel Alito recused himself from the case, creating the possibility of a 4-4 split decision. If the court rules against the energy companies, the lawsuit will proceed to state court discovery.
- According to the United Nations Environment Program, global climate litigation now exceeds 3,000 cases worldwide. Critics, including attorney David Bookbinder, characterize the strategy as a "convoluted way to achieve the goals of a carbon tax.
337 Articles
337 Articles
Supreme Court tangles over major climate change case
WASHINGTON — Supreme Court justices wrestled Monday with the first case of their new term, a complex dispute over whether local governments can hold oil companies responsible for the damages of climate change — with billions of dollars potentially hanging in the balance.
A small municipality in Colorado puts the U.S. energy sector against strings demanding compensation for climate change costs
Supreme Court weighs local governments’ climate change lawsuits against oil and gas companies - WXXV News 25
By LINDSAY WHITEHURST and MATTHEW DALY WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court grappled Monday with whether local governments can sue oil and gas companies in state court to help cover costs associated with climate change, an issue with potentially billions of dollars at stake. Key justices appeared wary about the potential sweep of litigation, but torn over the complex questions...
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