US Supreme Court to kick off term with bid by Big Oil to toss climate suits

The court's 6-3 conservative majority has moved US law dramatically rightward in recent years.The top US judicial body, as is its custom, opens its term on the first Monday in October.US-based Exxon and Canada-based Suncor appealed after the Colorado Supreme Court let Boulder's lawsuit accusing them of state law violations proceed.

The Trump administration has backed Exxon and Suncor, arguing that federal law precludes Boulder's claims.Read: Supreme Court lets Trump resume deporting migrants to countries not their ownBoulder's city and county governments have accused the two companies of helping drive climate change and misleading the public about the risks of fossil fuels.

Boulder aims to hold the companies liable for past and future costs associated with climate change such as infrastructure repairs, environmental damage, emergency management and harms to public health.The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, trapping heat and raising average global temperatures over time.Nearly 60 state and local governments have brought similar suits seeking billions of dollars from fossil fuel companies, with more….

A ruling by the Supreme Court in favour of the companies could lead to many of those cases being dismissed.Monday's arguments mark the latest example of energy-sector companies asking the justices to block climate-related liability or limit federal environmental regulation.Also Read: News outlets ask US court to block Trump White House ban beyond 14-day orderBackers of the oil companies argue that if Boulder's most far-reaching claims are allowed to proceed,….

Alito owns stock in several oil and gas companies but not Exxon or Suncor, according to his financial disclosure forms.The Supreme Court's decision is expected by the end of June.

US Supreme Court to kick off term with bid by Big Oil to toss climate suits Reuters | Updated 8 minutes ago | Exxon, Suncor face Colorado damages claim as nearly 60 state, local govts pursue cases against fossil fuel companies.