The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy’s motion to dismiss a climate‑change lawsuit filed by the City of Boulder and Boulder County on February 23, 2026. The suit, which was originally filed in state court in 2018, seeks to hold the oil companies liable for their contributions to climate change and to recover billions of dollars in damages for the city’s mitigation and adaptation costs.
The Boulder case has already passed through Colorado’s courts, where the state Supreme Court allowed the lawsuit to proceed after rejecting the companies’ earlier motion to dismiss. The federal court’s decision to take the case forward follows a 2023 denial of similar petitions, making this hearing a potentially pivotal moment for the national climate‑litigation landscape.
Exxon Mobil and Suncor argue that federal law—particularly the Clean Air Act—preempts state‑law claims about greenhouse‑gas emissions, and that such disputes should be resolved in federal court. Boulder counters that state law can address in‑state harms caused by out‑of‑state conduct, and that federal preemption does not bar the city’s claims. The Trump administration had previously supported the oil companies’ appeal, warning that allowing local governments to sue could open the door to worldwide liability claims.
If the Supreme Court sides with the oil companies, it could dismiss the Boulder case and potentially more than a dozen similar lawsuits across the country, reinforcing the federal preemption argument. A ruling in favor of Boulder would embolden other municipalities to pursue climate litigation, potentially expanding the scope of state‑level climate accountability. Either outcome will shape the legal framework for future climate suits and influence how governments and corporations navigate climate‑risk exposure.
The Boulder case is part of a broader wave of climate‑related lawsuits filed by U.S. states, cities, and other subnational entities against major oil and gas companies. While the article does not include direct quotes from Exxon Mobil or Suncor management, it notes that commentary from Boulder’s mayor and an environmental law professor is present, underscoring the local and academic interest in the case.
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.