U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Oil Firms' Bid to Dismiss Boulder Climate Lawsuit

The high court will consider dismissing a case brought by Boulder and Boulder County against major fossil fuel companies.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal from oil and gas companies seeking to dismiss a climate change lawsuit brought by Boulder and Boulder County, Colorado. The lawsuit, which was previously rejected by the Colorado Supreme Court, accuses the fossil fuel firms of contributing to global warming and its local impacts.

Why it matters

This case represents a high-stakes battle between local governments and the oil and gas industry over climate change liability. The Supreme Court's decision could set an important precedent on whether municipalities can sue fossil fuel companies for climate change-related damages.

The details

The lawsuit was originally filed in 2018 by Boulder and Boulder County against Exxon Mobil Corp. and Suncor Energy Inc., alleging the companies knew about the risks of climate change for decades but downplayed and denied those risks publicly. The local governments are seeking damages to help pay for climate adaptation efforts.

  • In 2018, Boulder and Boulder County filed the lawsuit against Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy.
  • In 2025, the Colorado Supreme Court rejected the companies' bid to dismiss the lawsuit.
  • In 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the oil companies' appeal.

The players

Boulder

A city in Colorado that filed the climate lawsuit against major oil companies.

Boulder County

A county in Colorado that joined Boulder in filing the climate lawsuit against major oil companies.

Exxon Mobil Corp.

One of the global oil and gas companies named as a defendant in the climate lawsuit brought by Boulder and Boulder County.

Suncor Energy Inc.

One of the global oil and gas companies named as a defendant in the climate lawsuit brought by Boulder and Boulder County.

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What’s next

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case and issue a ruling, which could determine whether the lawsuit against the oil companies can proceed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing legal battles between municipalities and fossil fuel companies over who should bear responsibility for the local impacts of climate change. The Supreme Court's decision could set an important precedent on the ability of local governments to sue the industry.