US supreme court to hear big oil’s bid to block climate damage lawsuits
The US Supreme Court has begun hearing a case involving Suncor Energy and ExxonMobil, who are seeking to block climate damage lawsuits brought by local governments. The outcome could determine whether these cases proceed in state courts or are dismissed entirely, potentially setting a precedent for future climate litigation.
Why it matters
A ruling in favor of the oil companies could effectively end state-level climate change accountability lawsuits across the United States.
Suncor Refinery in Commerce City, Colorado on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Photograph: Hyoung Chang/Denver Post/Getty Images Suncor Refinery in Commerce City, Colorado on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Photograph: Hyoung Chang/Denver Post/Getty Images Democracy, climate and justice US supreme court US supreme court to hear big oil’s bid to block climate damage lawsuits Court starts new term hearing Suncor Energy and ExxonMobil’s attempt to stop lawsuits at state level
About this content Hilary Beaumont Mon 5 Oct 2026 09.34 EDT Last modified on Mon 5 Oct 2026 09.43 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google The US supreme court begins its new nine-month term hearing arguments Monday in a high-stakes case in which big oil companies are attempting to strike a fatal blow against lawsuits that seek to hold them accountable for the climate crisis.
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