Supreme Court to weigh energy companies' bid to end climate-change suit

The Supreme Court opens its new term Monday with a dispute over whether Boulder, Colorado, can pursue a climate lawsuit against Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy in state court. The city and county, which sued in 2018, say the companies' fossil-fuel production and allegedly deceptive marketing contributed to warming that brings extreme heat, bigger and more frequent wildfires and ecosystem damage. Boulder's five claims arise under state law. The case is still early, so a Boulder victory at the high court would only let the suit continue, not decide who is liable, according to CBS News.

The companies failed to move the case to federal court and lost their bid to have it dismissed, including at the Colorado Supreme Court. They now argue that the Constitution and the Clean Air Act bar such claims over interstate emissions, and that letting states apply their own laws would produce conflicting rules and intrude on foreign affairs. The Trump administration and West Virginia, joined by other states, back the companies. The justices also asked the parties to address whether the Court has jurisdiction.

Justice Samuel Alito is recused, without explanation, leaving eight justices. A 4-4 split would leave the Colorado ruling in place.

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