Sept. 28 (UPI) — Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito informed the court on Monday that he is recusing himself from a climate case involving energy companies.
The case, Suncor Energy Inc. vs. County Commissioners of Boulder County, is over Boulder, Colo., seeking damages from Suncor and ExxonMobil for climate change harms. Alito has faced calls to recuse himself from the case due to holding stocks in about two dozen energy companies.
Alito does not hold stock in Suncor or ExxonMobil but the ruling in the case could have a broader impact on the energy industry, affecting companies that he does have a financial interest in.
Clerk of Court Scott Harris penned the letter to the high court on Monday informing it of Alito’s recusal.
“I am writing to inform the parties that Justice Alito has determined that he will not continue to participate in this case,” Harris wrote.
The Supreme Court took up the case earlier this year after Suncor and ExxonMobil filed an appeal seeking to have the case thrown out. Oil companies, communities and climate advocacy organizations around the country are watching the case closely as it is expected to have a reverberating impact on the ability to hold energy companies accountable for climate change.
The Supreme Court has said that in its consideration of this case, it will also consider whether it is the appropriate venue to hear such a case. The court’s decision could set a precedent over whether federal law preempts state courts in claims over climate change.
Alito has recused himself from 22 petitions that the high court has rejected and one case that the court has taken up. Unlike other cases, Alito’s recusal in this case comes later in the proceedings than what is usual.
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