WASHINGTON — WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court said Monday it will not heed a call from oil and gas companies seeking to block lawsuits seeking to hold the industry liable for billions of dollars in damages related to climate change.
The industry has faced a series of lawsuits alleging it misled the public about how fossil fuels contribute to climate change. Governments in states such as California, Colorado and New Jersey are seeking billions of dollars in damages from issues such as wildfires, rising sea levels and severe storms. The lawsuits come amid a wave of legal actions in the US And worldwide trying to take action on climate change through the courts.
In Hawaii, oil and gas companies appealed to the Supreme Court after losing in a lawsuit from the city of Honolulu in the state’s highest court.
The companies argue that emissions are a national issue that should instead be fought out in federal court, where they have successfully had lawsuits dismissed.
“The stakes in this case could not be higher,” attorneys wrote in court documents. The lawsuits “pose a serious threat to one of the nation’s most vital industries.”
The Democratic Biden administration has spoken out about the judges’ request and urged them to dismiss the case. She said it’s fair to keep the case in state court at this time. The new Republican Trump administration is expected to take a very different view of environmental regulations and energy production.
Honolulu argued that it has made a strong case against deceptive marketing under state law and that it should be allowed there as well. “Deceptive trade practices fall squarely within the core interests and historical powers of the states,” attorneys wrote.
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