The Supreme Court is returning from summer break to begin its new term by hearing arguments Monday in a landmark lawsuit filed by the city and county of Boulder, Colorado. The case involves a bid by Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy to block the lawsuit concerning the effects of climate change.
The litigation centers on whether local governments can hold giant energy companies accountable for local harms caused by climate change. The outcome could determine if the oil industry faces billions of dollars in liability for damages related to global warming, with repercussions extending beyond climate issues.
This case is one of approximately 40 similar lawsuits modeled on successful litigation against tobacco and opioid producers. Boulder hopes its novel lawsuit will serve as the environmental equivalent of the landmark litigation that resulted in billions of dollars in damages and settlements against those industries.