US Supreme Court is considering a major Big Oil climate lawsuit that could shape how state and local governments pursue fossil-fuel companies for climate-related damages. The case involves ExxonMobil, Suncor Energy and Boulder, Colorado. Boulder’s city and county governments accuse the companies of contributing to climate change while misleading the public about fossil-fuel risks, seeking damages for infrastructure, environmental, emergency-management and public-health costs.

Nearly 60 state and local governments have filed similar lawsuits seeking billions of dollars from fossil-fuel companies. A Supreme Court ruling favouring ExxonMobil and Suncor could lead to many of those cases being dismissed.Supporters of the companies argue that allowing Boulder’s broadest claims to proceed could give individual states extensive authority over conduct occurring beyond their borders. Boulder, however, is pursuing liability under state law after the Colorado Supreme Court allowed its lawsuit to continue.

US Supreme Court Takes On Big Oil Climate Liability

US Supreme Court is considering a major climate dispute as energy companies continue challenging environmental regulations and climate-related liability. Industry groups and allied states have secured significant victories in environmental cases before the justices over the past two decades. The latest case involving ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy could further shape how states and local governments pursue fossil-fuel companies over alleged climate damages and public costs through lawsuits nationwide.

Justice Samuel Alito has recused himself from the case. Court reported that Alito owns stock in several oil and gas companies, though not ExxonMobil or Suncor Energy.The Supreme Court is expected to issue its decision by the end of June. The outcome could determine whether Boulder’s case advances and influence the future of similar climate lawsuits nationwide.