Supreme Court to Hear Oil Companies' Bid to Block Colorado Climate Lawsuit

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Supreme Court said it will hear from oil and gas companies trying to block lawsuits seeking to hold the industry liable for billions of dollars in damage linked to climate change. Governments around the country have filed lawsuits arguing the companies deceived the public about how fossil fuels contribute to climate change, and that the industry should help pay for rebuilding after wildfires, rising sea levels, and severe storms worsened by climate change.

Why it matters

This case represents a high-stakes legal battle over whether states and local governments can use state laws to seek damages from fossil fuel companies for the impacts of climate change. The oil industry argues that climate change is a national issue that should be heard in federal court, where similar suits have been dismissed.

The details

Suncor Energy and ExxonMobil appealed to the Supreme Court after Colorado's highest court let the Boulder case proceed. The companies argue emissions are a national issue that should be heard in federal court, where similar suits have been tossed out. The Trump administration has supported the oil companies and urged the justices to reverse the Colorado Supreme Court decision, arguing it would mean 'every locality in the country could sue essentially anyone in the world for contributing to global climate change.'

• The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case on February 24, 2026.

What’s next

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case and issue a ruling at a later date.