US Supreme Court hears bid by oil companies to avoid climate lawsuit

The US Supreme Court commenced its new nine-month term on Monday by considering an appeal from oil companies ExxonMobil and Suncor to prevent a lawsuit brought by officials in Boulder, Colorado. The Colorado Supreme Court previously permitted Boulder's lawsuit, which accuses the oil companies of violating state law. ExxonMobil and Suncor appealed the decision, with their legal representative, Kannon Shanmugam, arguing that the federal government's authority to regulate air pollution prohibits Boulder's claims.

Shanmugam contended that the Colorado law allows the application of state law to inherently federal areas, specifically global climate change.

The city and county governments of Boulder have accused ExxonMobil and Suncor of contributing to climate change and misleading the public about the risks associated with fossil fuels. They aim to hold the companies accountable for the costs related to climate change, such as repairs to infrastructure, environmental damage, emergency management, and impacts on public health.

Nearly 60 state and local governments have filed similar lawsuits against fossil fuel companies, seeking billions of dollars in damages. A ruling in favor of ExxonMobil and Suncor could result in the dismissal of many of these cases.