Supreme Court heard arguments on whether Boulder County can sue Exxon and Suncor in state court over climate damages. The companies argue state suits would mean endless, financially ruinous litigation

What happened: The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case on whether Boulder County, Colorado can sue Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy in state court over climate change damages. Key numbers: The 2018 Marshall fire swept through Boulder County. A 1987 decision held the Clean Water Act does not prevent a state court from hearing a common law nuisance suit. Why it matters: Justices questioned whether states can hear such cases. A tie would affirm the Colorado Supreme Court ruling without precedential force, leaving energy companies and localities in legal limbo.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case on whether Boulder County, Colorado can sue Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy in state court over climate change damages.

Justices questioned whether states can hear such cases. A tie would affirm the Colorado Supreme Court ruling without precedential force, leaving energy companies and localities in legal limbo.