WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit initiated by Republican attorneys general from 19 states, which aimed to obstruct climate change litigation against the oil and gas industry by Democratic-led states.
The decision reflects a unique Republican initiative to challenge Democratic states’ use of their courts to sue fossil fuel companies, accusing them of misleading the public regarding the environmental risks associated with their products.
While the Supreme Court primarily reviews appeals, it holds constitutional authority to address original lawsuits filed by states against one another.
Notably, Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito expressed that they would have allowed the lawsuit to move forward at this stage, with Thomas dissenting on procedural grounds rather than addressing the lawsuit’s substance.
The lawsuit, spearheaded by Alabama’s Attorney General, argues that the actions of Democratic states infringe upon national energy policy and threaten to elevate energy costs nationwide.
Moreover, the Supreme Court has declined to hear appeals from energy companies seeking involvement in these matters.
Lawsuits from various state and local governments contend that fossil fuel companies misled the public about the contributions their products make to the climate crisis, seeking compensation for damages related to extreme weather events, wildfires, and rising sea levels.
The Republican lawsuit specifically targeted actions taken by California, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
It is asserted that only the federal government possesses regulatory authority over interstate gas emissions, leaving states without the power to enforce their laws on a global scale that stretches beyond their jurisdictions.
