Supreme Court Hears Climate Lawsuit Appeal

The United States — Supreme Court of the United States has agreed to hear arguments from oil and gas companies, including Suncor Energy and ExxonMobil, who are attempting to block climate change lawsuits. These lawsuits, initiated by various governments across the United States, including United States — Mesa County, Colorado, seek billions of dollars in damages to cover costs associated with climate change impacts like wildfires, rising sea levels, and severe storms. The companies argue that emissions are a national issue that should be heard in federal court, where similar cases have been dismissed. Donald Trump's administration previously supported the companies, criticizing the lawsuits and urging the United States — Supreme Court of the United States to reverse a Colorado Supreme Court decision that allowed the United States — Mesa County, Colorado case to proceed. Attorneys for United States — Mesa County, Colorado contend that the litigation is in its early stages and should remain in state court, asserting that states have the right to address in-state harms caused by out-of-state conduct. The United States — Supreme Court of the United States will also consider whether the case is ready for oral arguments, which are expected in the autumn.