WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court will hear a case concerning whether energy producers can be held liable for costs associated with global climate change. The decision comes as dozens of cities, counties, and states – including California – have filed lawsuits seeking billions of dollars in damages.
Energy Producers Face Climate Change Lawsuits
The case, Suncor Energy vs. Boulder County, was brought before the court after preliminary victories for plaintiffs in state courts. Lawyers for Suncor Energy and Exxon Mobil argued that allowing these lawsuits to proceed would amount to individual municipalities creating national energy policy.
The Trump administration and the energy producers contend the lawsuits conflict with federal law. Lawyers asserted that “state law cannot impose the costs of global climate change on a subset of the world’s energy producers chosen by a single municipality.”
The Biden administration suggested the court allow the lawsuits to continue through state courts. However, the Supreme Court decided to hear the case after weighing the issue for weeks. Oral arguments are scheduled for October.
Lawyers for Boulder County had previously argued that the current stage of litigation was not the appropriate time for the Supreme Court to intervene, stating, “This is not the right time or the right case for deciding” whether municipalities can sue over climate change-related damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central question in Suncor Energy vs. Boulder County?
The case centers on whether state and local governments can hold energy producers liable for costs associated with global climate change, or if such lawsuits conflict with federal law.
Which states and localities have filed lawsuits seeking damages related to climate change?
Dozens of cities, counties, and states, including California, have joined state-based lawsuits seeking billions of dollars in damages.
When will the Supreme Court hear arguments in this case?
The justices will hear arguments in the case of Suncor Energy vs. Boulder County in October.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments, what implications do you foresee for the future of climate change litigation?
