From NBC News · Lawrence Hurley · · 1m 30s
Alito steps aside from major climate case
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito recuses himself from a case that could shield oil companies from climate damages lawsuits.
In brief
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito recuses himself from a case that could shield oil companies from climate damages lawsuits. Justice Samuel Alito reversed course and recused himself from a major climate case after pressure over his oil company stock holdings, raising the possibility of a four-four split on the court…
Alito steps back from climate case
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito will not participate in a major climate case involving ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy, announced in a letter Monday with no reason given.
Pressure over oil stock holdings
Left-leaning groups had called for Alito to recuse himself because he holds stocks in oil companies ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66, plus five other energy sector firms.
The conflict activists saw
Activists argued those companies could benefit if the court throws out the Colorado case, because it could affect similar lawsuits across the country where they are defendants.
Alito had initially refused
Via a court spokeswoman, Alito previously told NBC News there was no need for him to step aside, saying he had no financial interest in the parties to the case.
“Justice Alito does not have a financial interest in any party involved in the case.”
A four-four court looms
With Alito stepping aside, the court's six-three conservative majority could split four-four, leaving major legal issues unresolved when the case is decided.
What the oil industry wanted
The oil and gas industry hoped the court would issue a broad ruling preventing cases like Colorado's from moving forward in state courts, potentially saving billions in damages.
The main idea
Justice Samuel Alito reversed course and recused himself from a major climate case after pressure over his oil company stock holdings, raising the possibility of a four-four split on the court.
