From Mother Jones · Rachel Santarsiero · · 1m 40s
Boulder sues Exxon Suncor over climate damages
Colorado city sues oil giants for climate harm in SCOTUS case.
In brief
Colorado city sues oil giants for climate harm in SCOTUS case. Boulder argues Exxon and Suncor deceived the public about climate risks and must pay damages for heat waves, wildfires, and droughts. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
Ranchers face climate crisis
Deirdre Macnab saw cows burned to death and pastures choked in smoke during Colorado's 2026 drought.
“It was hellish. Between the temperature and the drought, 2026 was a dress rehearsal for what we know is coming.”
Boulder sues energy giants
Boulder filed a lawsuit in 2018 claiming Exxon and Suncor deceived the public about climate risks and must pay damages.
“The damages will only multiply as climate change worsens.”
Energy companies challenge case
Exxon and Suncor asked the Supreme Court to dismiss Boulder's case before trial, arguing it violates federal Clean Air Act authority.
“Claims seeking relief for injuries allegedly caused by interstate pollution constitute an inherently federal area exclusively governed by federal law.”
Ranchers support Boulder
Deirdre Macnab and six other ranchers submitted an amicus brief supporting Boulder's climate damage claims.
“Every single rancher can tell stories about how their operations have been impacted and in some cases ended.”
Legal experts weigh in
Law professors describe the case as a tort law dispute over whether companies deceived the public about climate risks.
“You could call it deception, misrepresentation, but frankly it’s fraud.”
Trump administration complicates case
The Trump administration rescinded the 2009 endangerment finding, weakening EPA's authority to regulate emissions under the Clean Air Act.
“The administration is 'drastically shrinking the EPA’s authority to regulate emissions under the Clean Air Act.'”
Potential legal ripple effects
A Supreme Court ruling could affect asbestos, pharmaceutical, and opioid litigation by expanding state tort law claims.
“It swallows up all of state tort law that involves any kind of international company.”
Boulder seeks industry accountability
Boulder argues industry should 'remediate harm' from fossil fuel production, not regulate emissions.
“Alone, [the City and County of Boulder] and their taxpayers cannot pay the full costs of all that is needed to attempt to mitigate the harm caused by climate change, nor should they.”
SCOTUS oral arguments begin
On Monday, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for the case between Boulder and Exxon Suncor.
“The case revolves around a dispute between the City and County of Boulder, which first sued the energy companies in 2018.”
What happens next
The Supreme Court could rule in favor of Exxon Suncor, setting a precedent for dozens of climate lawsuits nationwide.
“A broad ruling ends essentially all of them.”
What matters most
Boulder argues Exxon and Suncor deceived the public about climate risks and must pay damages for heat waves, wildfires, and droughts.
