Supreme Court hears climate change lawsuit

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments Oct. 5 in a lawsuit brought by officials in Boulder, Colorado, against ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy regarding climate change. The case centers on whether the litigation should proceed in state courts or be moved to federal courts.

Boulder officials filed the lawsuit nearly a decade ago, alleging the energy companies are responsible for climate-related damages in Colorado, including rising temperatures and increased wildfire risks. The oil companies argue the case should be dismissed because it was filed in state rather than federal court. The Trump administration supports the companies, arguing the lawsuits are an attempt to impose emissions regulations through litigation.

Dan Misleh, executive director of the Catholic Climate Covenant, told OSV News the case is difficult because of the world's dependence on fossil fuels and the history of companies obscuring scientific knowledge about global warming. Misleh noted the legal arguments involve Catholic moral principles, including the common good, subsidiarity, solidarity, and the preferential option for the poor.