Supreme Court term begins with climate case seeking to hold energy companies liable

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court kicks off a new term Monday, with the justices hearing an attempt by oil companies to throw out lawsuits brought by cities and counties alleging they should pay damages for the impacts of climate change. Although the case concerns a specific lawsuit the city and county of Boulder, Colorado, brought against Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy, the ultimate decision could have broad ramifications for more than two dozen similar lawsuits around the country. Boulder officials say they face increasing costs because of the impacts of climate change, including efforts to minimize risks from wildfires. Just this summer, Colorado has experienced extreme heat, drought and multiple fires.

The lawsuit, bringing claims under state law, says Exxon and Suncor misled consumers about the impact greenhouse gases that their products produce would have on the climate. The companies deny the allegations and warn that if the Boulder lawsuit and others like it are able to move forward to trial, they and other energy companies could face crippling damages in the billions of dollars. They also argue climate change is such an inherently national and international issue that it cannot be the subject of litigation in state courts. The case is the first to be argued in the courtroom as the new nine-month term begins after a summer break