The Supreme Court heard oral argument this morning in Suncor Energy v. Boulder County, a case in which fossil fuel companies argue that state-law tort suits over climate change damages are preempted by federal law. The case asks the justices to decide whether such claims can proceed in state courts or must be heard under federal statutes.
According to a post on Reason's Volokh Conspiracy, a decision on the merits could have major implications for environmental law, climate policy, and American federalism. The author has been tracking the case and filed an amicus brief, and notes that Justice Alito has recused himself from the proceedings.
The author is participating in two events to analyze the oral argument: a discussion at Penn Carey Law School on October 9 featuring James Goodwin of the Center for Progressive Reform, and a webinar at Case Western Reserve University School of Law on October 13 featuring Professor Paul Salamanca. The post provides links to registration and to earlier coverage of the case.