US Supreme Court hears oil companies’ bid to avoid climate lawsuit
XOM•The US Supreme Court heard ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy’s bid to stop Boulder, Colorado’s climate damages lawsuit from proceeding. A ruling expected by the end of June could affect nearly 60 similar suits brought by state and local governments.
1. Companies challenge lawsuit
ExxonMobil and Suncor appealed after the Colorado Supreme Court allowed Boulder’s lawsuit under state law to proceed. Boulder officials seek damages for past and future costs tied to climate change, including infrastructure repairs, environmental damage, emergency management and public health harms.
2. Dispute over federal authority
The companies argue that federal authority over air pollution and the Clean Air Act preclude Boulder’s claims. Their lawyer, Kannon Shanmugam, told the justices the case was an “unprecedented effort to use state law to regulate global conduct.”
3. Potential wider impact
Exxon and Suncor told the justices that nearly 60 state and local governments have brought similar suits seeking billions of dollars from fossil fuel companies. A ruling siding with the companies could lead to many of those cases being dismissed. The court’s decision is expected by the end of June.
