US Supreme Court hears oil companies' bid to block climate change lawsuits by cities and counties

On October 5, 2026, the US Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Suncor v Boulder, a case where the city and county of Boulder, Colorado, sued ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy for damages related to climate change. The plaintiffs allege the companies concealed the dangers of fossil fuels and contributed to global warming. The oil companies argue that federal law preempts these state claims. The court's decision could impact dozens of similar lawsuits across the country. Justice Samuel Alito recused himself, leaving eight justices to decide the case.