Samuel Alito steps aside in a major climate case amid scrutiny over oil stock holdings

Samuel Alito, a conservative justice, withdrew from a significant climate change case on Monday following pressure to recuse himself due to holdings in oil companies. The letter announcing his decision did not state a specific reason. Alito has previously recused himself from cases involving companies where he owns stock. The recusal occurs just before the Supreme Court hears the case brought by local officials in Boulder, Colorado against Suncor Energy and ExxonMobil.

This case, along with many others, claims that companies misled the public about the impact of fossil fuels on climate change, potentially resulting in billions of dollars in damages. The high court agreed to hear an appeal from the companies, supported by the Trump administration. The energy firms argue that the lawsuits present a significant risk to the industry and that state courts are not the appropriate venue to address the global issue of climate change.

Alito had initially resisted calls to step aside, and the court decided to hear the case in February. He does not own stock in Suncor Energy or ExxonMobil, but he does have investments in other oil companies like ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66, according to his disclosures. Consumer Watchdog, a group, claims that this could lead to indirect benefits for Alito if the court rules in favor of the energy industry.

The group's director, Alexandra Nagy, praised Alito's decision to recuse himself from the Suncor v Boulder case, stating it is the correct decision and one he should have made from the beginning.