Supreme Court to weigh energy companies' bid to end Boulder climate-change lawsuit
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a case regarding whether Boulder, Colorado, can sue fossil-fuel companies in state court for climate change damages. The outcome will determine if these lawsuits can proceed or if they are preempted by federal law.
Why it matters
This case could set a major legal precedent for dozens of similar climate-related lawsuits filed by local governments against energy corporations nationwide.
Washington — When the Supreme Court returns to the bench Monday for the first time since late June, it will kick off its new term with a major case involving an effort by the city and county of Boulder, Colorado, to hold fossil-fuel producers accountable for the impacts of global climate change.The lawsuit from Boulder is one of dozens filed by states and local governments against energy companies in state courts that seek money damages for past and future harms that they allege are caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which has led to global warming. The long-running dispute brought by Boulder targets Exxon Mobil, the nation's largest energy company, and Suncor Energy, which operates two oil refineries in Colorado.
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in