The Court
The Supreme Court heard Boulder’s climate suit and did not decide it.
The city and county want Exxon and Suncor to help pay for climate damage. Justice Alito, who owns oil stock, sat out. With eight justices, a tie would leave Boulder’s case alive.
The Rocket News · Science Desk · WashingtonOctober 6, 2026 · 3 min read
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court opened its term on Monday with a suit by the city and county of Boulder, Colorado, against ExxonMobil and Suncor. Boulder wants the companies to help pay for floods, fires, and the other costs it ties to climate change, and says the companies deceived the public. The Washington Post and SCOTUSblog reported the argument. The Court did not rule.
Justice Samuel Alito sat out. He owns oil stock. Eight justices heard the case. SCOTUSblog said the questions cut both ways, and that it was not clear a majority would block the suit. A 4–4 tie would leave standing the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision to let Boulder proceed. A win for Boulder would invite similar suits from other cities. The photograph is the Court. The case is the science note. The Warner deal is on the economy page.
Wire and further reading: scotusblog.com
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