Supreme Court Divided on Climate Liability as Alito Recusal Threatens 4-4 Deadlock
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Suncor v. Boulder, a pivotal case determining if federal law preempts state climate lawsuits against fossil fuel companies. With Justice Alito recused, a 4-4 split could leave the lower court’s ruling intact without setting national precedent. Justices signaled deep divisions, with liberals seeking procedural exits and conservatives emphasizing federal preemption, potentially impacting dozens of similar suits nationwide.