US Supreme Court wrestles with oil companies' bid to scuttle climate lawsuit
The justices are weighing whether federal law bars Boulder’s damages suit, a ruling that could affect dozens of similar climate cases nationwide.
- On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Suncor Energy v. County Commissioners of Boulder County, examining whether federal law preempts local governments' climate damage claims.
- Boulder County and the city of Boulder sued Suncor Energy and ExxonMobil in 2018, alleging the companies knowingly concealed climate risks while marketing fossil fuels.
- Energy companies argue the Clean Air Act preempts state-law claims, citing risks that nearly 60 municipalities nationwide could file similar lawsuits seeking billions in damages.
- Justice Samuel Alito recused himself from the case last week, creating the possibility of a 4-4 split that would leave the Colorado Supreme Court ruling in place.
- A final decision is expected in the coming months, with significant implications for dozens of pending climate-accountability lawsuits navigating state courts across the United States.
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The long arm of the lawsuit
Legal Docket: A Colorado county wants oil companies to pay for climate damage. But could one local lawsuit wind up setting energy policy for the entire country? WORLD’s Mary Reichard examines where the justices might draw the line.
Supreme Court climate case could bankrupt oil companies, send gas prices soaring, experts warn
A Supreme Court showdown over climate change lawsuits could leave oil companies bankrupt, gas stations facing financial ruin and Americans paying more at the pump if the justices allow cities and states to pursue billions in damages against the fossil fuel industry, energy policy experts warn. "You would see mass exodus and that would create … The post Supreme Court climate case could bankrupt oil companies, send gas prices soaring, experts warn…
SCOTUS weighs local governments’ climate change lawsuits against oil, gas companies
WASHINGTON, D.C. — 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 litiga
One atmosphere, 50 courts — what could go wrong?
The Supreme Court opened its new term Monday with one of the most consequential climate cases in years. The justices do not have to decide whether climate change is real or whether carbon dioxide warms the planet. They face a more basic question: Who pays the tab?In Suncor Energy v. Boulder County, Boulder County and the city of Boulder want ExxonMobil and Suncor to pay under Colorado law for local costs they attribute to global warming, while a…
U.S. states and municipalities are moving to court to save climate protection rules and to make oil companies liable for damage. Two procedures could have a signal effect for the whole world.
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