The court hears arguments Monday on whether ExxonMobil and Suncor can shut down a Boulder, Colorado, lawsuit seeking climate-damage costs.
The U.S. Supreme Court opens its new term on Monday with arguments on a bid by ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy to throw out a lawsuit brought by officials in Boulder, Colorado, Reuters reported. The companies appealed after a lower court allowed the case to proceed.
Boulder wants the companies held liable for past and future costs it links to climate change, including infrastructure repairs, environmental damage, emergency management and public-health harms. The suit is one of a wider set of cases: Exxon and Suncor told the justices that nearly 60 state and local governments have filed similar claims seeking billions of dollars, with more still being filed.
A ruling for the companies could lead to many of those cases being dismissed, Reuters reported. The companies argue the claims are displaced by federal law. Boulder and supporting governments say state law can address local costs from fossil-fuel products.
Justice Samuel Alito has recused himself. Reuters reported that his financial disclosures show oil and gas holdings, though not stock in Exxon or Suncor.
Arguments are set for the first Monday in October, the traditional start of the nine-month term. The court is expected to decide the case by the end of June.