Supreme Court opens new term with climate liability case first
In short
The U.S. Supreme Court began its new term on Monday, with more than 20 cases agreed so far, UPI reported. The first case, Suncor Energy Inc. vs. County Commissioners of Boulder County, asks whether federal law takes precedence over state law in claims against energy companies over climate-change injuries. UPI reported that Justice Samuel Alito recused himself from the case last week because he holds stock in about two dozen energy companies that could be affected.
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The U.S. Supreme Court began its new term on Monday, with more than 20 cases already agreed, UPI reported. CBS News reported the term kicked off Monday and that the justices are expected to weigh in on issues from voting rights to gun control. CNN published a preview of the key cases expected in the new term without naming any. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The first case before the court is Suncor Energy Inc. vs. County Commissioners of Boulder County, Colo., which asks whether federal law takes precedence over state law when there is a claim against an energy company for injuries related to climate change, according to UPI. The lawsuit filed by the city and county of Boulder seeks millions in damages from Suncor and Exxon for expenses it says it has faced as a result of climate change, UPI reported. The companies petitioned the court earlier this year for relief and argue that Boulder and other localities are trying to impose a carbon tax that would have an immense impact on the energy industry, UPI reported. [ 2 ]
Justice Samuel Alito recused himself from the case last week due to conflicts of interest, UPI reported. Alito holds stock in about two dozen energy companies that could be affected by the outcome, UPI said, adding that the case itself involves Suncor and ExxonMobil, in which UPI said he does not hold a financial stake. [ 2 ]
UPI reported that before ruling on the substance, the court must also consider whether it is the appropriate venue to hear this case right now. [ 2 ]
On the wider docket, UPI listed free speech, voting rights and climate change among the questions before the court, while CBS News cited voting rights and gun control. CNN's item named no cases. UPI reported the court has agreed to take up more than 20 cases in the term. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Why it matters
The term's rulings will shape how far state and local governments can hold energy companies responsible for climate-related costs, and the docket also touches voting rights and free speech. UPI's report that a justice stepped aside over financial holdings puts the court's own conflict rules in view as it takes up the climate case.
Key facts
- The Supreme Court began its new term on Monday, Oct. 5. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The court has agreed to take up more than 20 cases in the new term, UPI reported. [ 2 ]
- The first case is Suncor Energy Inc. vs. County Commissioners of Boulder County, Colo., on whether federal law takes precedence over state law in climate-change claims against an energy company. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The lawsuit by the city and county of Boulder seeks millions in damages from Suncor and Exxon for expenses it says it has faced as a result of climate change, according to UPI. [ 2 ]
- Suncor and Exxon petitioned the court earlier this year and argue localities are trying to impose a carbon tax, UPI reported. [ 2 ]
- UPI reported Justice Samuel Alito recused himself from the case last week because he holds stock in about two dozen energy companies that could be affected. [ 2 ]
- UPI listed free speech, voting rights and climate change among the term's questions; CBS News cited voting rights and gun control. [ 2 , 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether the Supreme Court is the appropriate venue to hear the Boulder climate case at this time. UPI reports the court must first decide this; no outlet reports a decision.
- Which issues the term's docket covers. UPI lists free speech, voting rights and climate change, while CBS News cites voting rights and gun control; CNN's item names no cases.
- The outcome and timing of any rulings. All three documents are previews and report no decisions.
- Alito's recusal and his stock holdings. Only UPI reports this, making it a single-source claim.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- The Supreme Court opens its new term on Monday; CNN publishes a preview of the key cases expected. [ 1 , 2 ]
- UPI publishes a term preview naming Suncor Energy Inc. vs. County Commissioners of Boulder County as among the first cases and reporting Justice Alito's recusal. [ 2 ]
- CBS News reports that the term kicked off Monday and previews the biggest cases. [ 3 ]