The Supreme Court is set to hear a landmark environmental case that could determine whether state and local governments can sue oil companies for climate-related damages. The case involves Boulder, Colo., which is suing Suncor Energy and Exxon Mobil for billions in costs tied to floods, droughts, and wildfires. The companies, backed by the Trump administration, argue that federal law bars such lawsuits.
A ruling by June or July could impact dozens of similar cases nationwide. Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. recused himself due to stock holdings in Conoco Phillips and Phillips 66, and a luxury trip with an investor in a related firm.
With eight justices, a 4-4 split would uphold the lower court’s decision allowing the suit to proceed. The case began in April 2018, with Boulder alleging the companies knowingly fueled climate change and concealed risks. The Colorado Supreme Court allowed the case to continue in state court, prompting the oil companies to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing