The US Supreme Court on Monday began considering whether ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy can stop a climate lawsuit brought by Boulder, Colorado, seeking damages linked to the effects of climate change.
Boulder’s city and county governments accuse the oil companies of contributing to climate change and misleading the public about the risks associated with fossil fuels. The local governments are seeking compensation for costs including infrastructure repairs, environmental damage, emergency management and public health impacts.
ExxonMobil and Suncor argue that Boulder’s claims are governed by federal law, including the Clean Air Act, and should therefore not proceed under Colorado state law. The companies also contend that allowing individual states and local governments to pursue such claims could create conflicting rules for an industry operating across state and national borders.
The case has national implications because nearly 60 state and local governments have filed similar lawsuits against fossil fuel companies. A ruling favouring the oil companies could make it harder for many of those cases to proceed.
The Supreme Court is expected to issue its decision by the end of June 2027. Justice Samuel Alito has recused himself from the case because he owns shares in oil and gas companies.
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