Supreme Court begins new term with high-profile look at clean air and federal authority

The Supreme Court opened its new term Monday with a case that could determine where energy companies must answer for climate-related damage claims: in federal court or in state courts. Eight justices heard nearly two hours of argument, leaving the outcome unclear, according to Fox News.

The dispute stems from a suit by Boulder County, which Colorado's top court allowed to continue. Governments at the local and state level want damages running into the billions of dollars to fund recovery from wildfires, rising seas and severe storms they say fossil fuel pollution has intensified. The oil companies, supported by the Trump administration, contend that emissions are a national matter belonging in federal court, where comparable lawsuits have been dismissed.

Justice Samuel Alito did not take part. He stepped aside last week after critics pointed to his holdings in oil companies, although neither of the two firms at the center of the case is among them. Chief Justice John Roberts pressed both sides and may prove pivotal. A 4-4 split would leave the case in state court. Roberts noted the Court has previously let states hear cases involving out-of-state conduct, saying he was "not quite sure what makes this situation different."

Summarized by PolitiKool from Fox News’s reporting. Read the full story at Fox News →