Justice Samuel Alito recused himself from the case due to financial holdings in the oil and gas industry, which analysts say increases the possibility of a 4-4 split among the justices. Alito called the recusal a "difficult judgment call" despite the court's legal office previously stating he did not have to disqualify himself. Meanwhile, conservative critics have pressed Justice Elena Kagan to also recuse herself over her past editorial work for the federal judiciary's Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Supreme Court Hears Multibillion Dollar Climate Suit Against Oil Majors
US Politics15 days ago
The US Supreme Court on Monday opened oral arguments in Suncor Energy v. Boulder County to decide whether federal law prevents states from seeking climate related damages from fossil fuel companies. Chief Justice John Roberts questioned the motives behind the lawsuit, suggesting that the multibillion dollar effort to hold companies like ExxonMobil and Suncor liable is an attempt to use the courts to reduce emissions rather than a legitimate damages claim. A ruling in favor of the oil companies could block similar lawsuits from approximately 90,000 municipalities across the US.
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