US Supreme Court hears big oil's bid to block climate lawsuits

· Climate · United States

The US Supreme Court began its new term hearing arguments in a major case in which big oil companies, including ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy, seek to block state and local climate damage lawsuits. The case stems from a suit by Boulder, Colorado, accusing the companies of contributing to climate change through fossil fuel use. How the court will lean is unclear. A ruling against the companies could open the door to a wave of climate liability claims; a ruling for them could strike a fatal blow to efforts to hold the industry accountable.

Why it matters：The ruling could determine whether fossil fuel producers can be held financially liable for climate harm, with consequences for energy firms worldwide.

Key points

  • ExxonMobil and Suncor are seeking to block state-level climate lawsuits.
  • Boulder, Colorado, sued over fossil fuel use and climate change.
  • The case is among the first argued in the Supreme Court's new term.

Sources (original reporting)

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