Supreme Court considers scope of climate suits against energy companies

The Supreme Court heard arguments Monday over whether local governments can use state courts to seek climate-related damages from oil and gas companies. Boulder, Colorado, says worsening floods and wildfires burden local budgets and that energy companies should help cover the costs.

Suncor and ExxonMobil argue the Clean Air Act gives the federal government authority over emissions. A ruling for the companies could end dozens of similar lawsuits seeking billions of dollars. Justices also weighed whether they could avoid deciding the central legal questions on jurisdictional grounds.

Justice Samuel Alito recused himself because he owns stock in oil companies, raising the possibility of a tie vote that would leave the Colorado case in place. The court heard the case as the Trump administration faces lawsuits from states and cities over its move to repeal power plant emissions rules.

Read the full story at Spectrum News.