Supreme Court takes up Boulder climate lawsuit
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The U.S. Supreme Court will hear the city of Boulder's climate change-related lawsuit against Exxon Mobil and Suncore Energy, seeking billions in damages from oil companies alleged to have "intentionally misled the public" on the impacts of their fossil fuel products.
Why it matters: The case could determine whether state and local climate lawsuits stay in state court or shift to federal court, where similar claims have faltered — shaping the future of comparable cases nationwide.
The latest: The justices agreed Monday to hear the case.
The city and county of Boulder say they are seeing "significant and rising costs" to address climate change impacts.
- The other side: The companies argue that claims involving greenhouse gas emissions are governed by federal law and therefore belong in federal court, not state court.
- "Climate policy shouldn't be set through fragmented state‑court actions, and we look forward to making that case before the court," Exxon Mobil officials said in a statement Monday.
The big picture: Local governments in California, Hawai'i and New Jersey have filed similar lawsuits, but Boulder's is the first of its kind to reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
- A ruling could set precedent for local governments seeking billions to help pay for rebuilding after wildfires, rising sea levels and severe storms linked to climate change.
Catch up quick: Boulder County, San Miguel County and the city of Boulder sued Suncor entities and Exxon in April 2018.
- San Miguel County's case was separated and is being handled in Denver District Court.
What they're saying: "Local communities are living with the mounting costs of climate change," said Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett in a statement. "The Supreme Court should affirm Colorado's right to hold these companies accountable for the harm they have caused in Colorado."
- Boulder County Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann added, "We must hold oil companies accountable for the significant harm they've caused our communities."
Editor's note: This story has been updated with Exxon Mobil's statement.