US Supreme Court Justice Alito Recuses from Climate Case Involving Oil Companies
US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito will not participate in an upcoming case concerning a lawsuit against oil companies for their alleged role in fueling climate change. The dispute, scheduled to be heard on October 5, involves a bid by oil companies to dismiss a lawsuit filed by officials in Boulder, Colorado, against Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy in 2018. Justice Alito's recusal was communicated to the parties by Scott Harris, clerk of the Supreme Court, who did not provide a specific rationale beyond stating that Alito determined he would not continue to participate. This decision comes after Alito had initially declined calls from watchdog and environmental groups to recuse himself, despite owning stock in several oil and gas companies, though not in Exxon Mobil or Suncor Energy. He had previously stepped aside when the litigation reached the court at an earlier stage in 2023. Alito's financial disclosures indicate holdings in ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66, which are defendants in separate but simil...
