The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Monday in a climate liability case brought by Boulder, Colorado against ExxonMobil and Suncor. The city wants billions to cover costs tied to wildfires, floods, and public health harms linked to warming. The key question is whether state courts can handle these claims or whether federal law preempts them. Several conservative justices pushed back on Boulder, but some also questioned the oil companies' broad preemption argument. Justice Alito recused himself, so a 4-4 tie would let the Colorado Supreme Court ruling stand without setting national precedent. Kagan pressed the companies' lawyer to explain where federal law says state tort suits are preempted, and Jackson suggested the case may be too early for the Supreme Court to decide. A decision is expected next year. The outcome will affect dozens of similar city and county suits against oil and gas companies, and it could shape how climate damages are litigated across the country.
