SCOTUS opens its term Monday hearing whether oil and gas can be forced to pay for climate damages — California and more than two dozen blue states sued the five largest oil companies in 2023, borrowin

What happened: The Supreme Court opens its new term with arguments in Suncor Energy and Exxon Mobil vs. Boulder County on whether federal law blocks state claims over greenhouse gas emissions. Key numbers: California sued five of the largest oil companies in 2023. Boulder County won a 5-2 state Supreme Court ruling last year. Why it matters: A broad ruling for Boulder would clear climate suits to proceed in state courts, while a ruling for the industry would likely block them, including California's. The court may instead decline to rule on jurisdiction.

The Supreme Court opens its new term with arguments in Suncor Energy and Exxon Mobil vs. Boulder County on whether federal law blocks state claims over greenhouse gas emissions.

A broad ruling for Boulder would clear climate suits to proceed in state courts, while a ruling for the industry would likely block them, including California's. The court may instead decline to rule on jurisdiction.