Boulder Climate Lawsuit Against ExxonMobil and Suncor
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal by Exxon Mobil Corp. and Suncor Energy Inc. in a significant climate change lawsuit filed by Boulder County, the City of Boulder, and San Miguel County, Colorado. The lawsuit, initiated in 2018, accuses the oil companies of misleading the public about the risks of climate change and seeks to hold them responsible for the costs incurred by local governments to address climate impacts. The Supreme Court's decision to review a Colorado Supreme Court ruling that allowed the case to proceed in state court could have major implications for similar lawsuits nationwide, potentially costing the industry billions. The companies argue that state law cannot be used to address a global issue like climate change, while Boulder contends that the companies should pay their fair share for the damages caused by their products. Arguments are expected in the upcoming term, with a ruling anticipated within nine months.
Timeline
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Track this story2026
1 update
2026
1 updateThe U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal from Exxon Mobil Corp. and Suncor Energy Inc. regarding the climate change lawsuit. The justices will review a Colorado Supreme Court ruling that allowed the city and county of Boulder to use state law to pursue their suit against the companies. This decision to hear the case follows appeals from the Trump administration and other groups urging the court to take up the matter.
2025
1 update
2025
1 updateThe Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Boulder County and the City of Boulder's climate case against ExxonMobil and Suncor entities could proceed. The court rejected the oil companies' request to dismiss the case, stating that federal law did not prevent Colorado courts from applying state law to these claims. This ruling allowed the communities to have their day in court after years of litigation.
2023
1 update
2023
1 updateThe U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from Exxon Mobil and Suncor, allowing the climate lawsuit brought by Colorado communities to proceed in state court. This decision confirmed that the lawsuit is a state matter, paving the way for a trial.
via cpr.org·nytimes.com
2020
1 update
2020
1 updateThe 10th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the district court's decision, ruling that the case belonged in state court. The parties continued to litigate in Boulder District Court, where motions to move or dismiss the case were being considered.
2019
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2019
1 updateA federal district court rejected Exxon and Suncor's arguments to move the case to federal court, issuing an order to remand the case back to state court. The companies unsuccessfully sought a stay and appealed the decision to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.
2018
1 update
2018
1 updateBoulder County, San Miguel County, and the City of Boulder, with legal support from EarthRights International, the Hannon Law Firm, and Niskanen Center, filed a lawsuit against Suncor and ExxonMobil. The communities demanded that the companies pay their fair share of the costs associated with climate change impacts, arguing that these costs should not fall disproportionately on taxpayers. A ruling from the Boulder District Court was expected soon.
Story began · 8 years ago