The US Supreme Court opens its new term with oral arguments in a case that could decide whether state and local governments can sue oil companies for climate damages. ExxonMobil and Suncor are asking the justices to throw out a Boulder, Colorado lawsuit seeking compensation for infrastructure repairs, public health costs, and other climate-related harm. The companies argue the Clean Air Act preempts state law claims. Nearly 60 state and local governments have filed similar cases seeking billions of dollars from fossil fuel companies. A ruling for the oil companies would likely force many of those cases to be dismissed. A ruling for Boulder would keep climate liability litigation moving through state courts. The court's decision is expected by the end of June. Justice Alito has recused himself from the case. The case is the latest example of energy companies asking the Supreme Court to block climate-related liability or limit federal environmental regulation. The outcome will shape how local governments pay for climate adaptation and whether they can shift some of that cost back to fossil fuel producers.
