Supreme Court Weighs Whether Boulder’s Climate Suit Against Exxon and Suncor Can Proceed

The Supreme Court heard nearly two hours of argument on Monday over whether Boulder, Colorado, can pursue its 2018 lawsuit seeking to hold Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy responsible for damage linked to climate change, CBS News reports.

Only eight justices took part after Justice Samuel Alito recused himself without giving a reason. A 4-4 split would leave the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling in place and allow the case to move forward.

The core question is whether federal law bars claims like Boulder’s from being heard in state court. Justice Brett Kavanaugh repeatedly pointed to earlier rulings treating interstate air and water pollution as a federal matter, and the justices also asked both sides whether the court has jurisdiction to review the Colorado decision at all.

Read the original story at CBS News.