Supreme Court to decide on throwing out climate change lawsuits - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by David G. SavageFebruary 23, 2026
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The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that could determine whether energy companies can be held liable for damages related to global climate change. This decision comes as dozens of cities, counties, and states—including California—have filed lawsuits seeking billions in compensation from oil and gas producers. The Trump administration and the energy industry argue that these lawsuits conflict with federal law and should be dismissed, claiming that state-level actions cannot impose costs on a subset of global energy producers.
The case, Suncor Energy vs. Boulder County, was brought by local governments, including Boulder, Colorado, which allege that energy companies have contributed significantly to climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels. These plaintiffs argue that they face significant financial burdens due to these effects and are seeking compensation for damages. While some state courts have ruled in their favor, the Trump administration and energy companies argue that federal regulations preempt state lawsuits, asserting that issues of national importance like energy policy should not be decided at the local level.
The justices will hear arguments in October, with legal experts suggesting this case could set a major precedent for climate change litigation. The Biden administration has advocated for allowing these cases to proceed in state courts, while the Trump administration pushed for federal intervention. If the Supreme Court sides with the energy companies, it could effectively block similar lawsuits nationwide, limiting the ability of local governments to hold corporations accountable for climate-related damages. This decision could have far-reaching implications for how climate change
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/23/2026