US Supreme Court weighs bid by oil companies to avoid climate lawsuit
XOM•The US Supreme Court is hearing ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy’s bid to stop Boulder, Colorado, from pursuing a climate damages lawsuit. A ruling expected by the end of June could affect nearly 60 similar lawsuits brought by state and local governments.
1. Companies challenge lawsuit
ExxonMobil and Suncor appealed after the Colorado Supreme Court allowed Boulder’s lawsuit to proceed. The city and county accuse the companies of contributing to climate change and misleading the public about fossil fuel risks, and seek damages for costs including infrastructure repairs, environmental damage, emergency management and public health harms.
2. Potential wider impact
The companies argue that Boulder’s claims intrude on federal authority and the Clean Air Act. Exxon and Suncor told the justices that nearly 60 state and local governments have filed similar lawsuits seeking billions of dollars; a ruling for the companies could lead to many cases being dismissed. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected by the end of June.
