Chicago Climate Lawsuit Against Oil Companies May Survive Supreme Court Ruling

Judge signals city's consumer protection claims can proceed despite pending high court case

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:38am

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A Cook County judge has signaled that the city of Chicago's lawsuit against major oil companies over climate change 'disinformation' may be able to move forward, even if the U.S. Supreme Court rules against a similar case from Boulder, Colorado. The judge said the city's claims related to consumer protection and alleged deception within city limits can continue, separate from the broader emissions-related claims that could be impacted by the Supreme Court's upcoming decision.

Why it matters

This case is part of a growing number of lawsuits by cities and states seeking to hold oil companies accountable for allegedly misleading the public about the climate impacts of fossil fuels. The outcome could set an important precedent for whether local governments can use consumer protection laws to target energy companies, even if federal courts limit their ability to sue over emissions and climate change.

The details

The city of Chicago joined with trial lawyers in 2024 to file a lawsuit seeking to make major oil companies pay for allegedly misleading consumers and the public for decades about the climate impacts of their products. The energy companies, including Chevron, BP, and ExxonMobil, argued the case should be put on hold pending the Supreme Court's ruling in a similar case from Boulder, Colorado. However, the judge ruled that the city's claims related to consumer protection and alleged deception within Chicago can proceed, separate from the broader emissions-related claims that could be impacted by the Supreme Court's decision.

  • In 2024, the city of Chicago filed the lawsuit against major oil companies.
  • In early 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to take up the Boulder, Colorado case that could impact similar lawsuits.
  • In April 2026, the Cook County judge signaled the Chicago lawsuit can continue on certain claims despite the pending Supreme Court ruling.

The players

City of Chicago

The plaintiff in the lawsuit against major oil companies over alleged climate change 'disinformation'.

Chevron, BP, ExxonMobil, and other oil companies

The defendants in the Chicago lawsuit, who are seeking to have the case put on hold pending the Supreme Court's ruling in a similar case.

DiCello Levitt LLP

A Chicago law firm representing the city in the lawsuit.

Sher Edling LLP

A San Francisco law firm also representing the city in the lawsuit, and has filed similar cases against oil companies across the country.

Judge Allen P. Walker

The Cook County Circuit Court judge presiding over the Chicago lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“Discovery will continue under the two statutory consumer protection claims under the Municipal Code of Chicago. These claims are beyond the reach of the questions currently under review at the Supreme Court.”

— Spokesperson, City of Chicago Department of Law

What’s next

The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the similar case from Boulder, Colorado in the coming months, which could impact the broader claims in the Chicago lawsuit. However, the judge has signaled the city's consumer protection-related claims can proceed regardless of the Supreme Court's decision.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles between cities and states seeking to hold oil companies accountable for climate change, and the energy industry's efforts to limit their liability through the courts. The judge's ruling suggests cities may be able to use local consumer protection laws to target alleged deception by fossil fuel companies, even if federal courts restrict their ability to sue over emissions and climate impacts.