The Supreme Court has commenced its new term by hearing a blockbuster climate change case that carries implications extending far beyond environmental policy. The legal battle centers on whether local governments can hold major energy companies legally and financially accountable for the local damages caused by climate change. Energy firms such as Suncor and ExxonMobil are asking the high court to dismiss lawsuits like the one brought by Boulder, Colorado, arguing that global climate issues should be handled by the federal government rather than through state-level litigation. Notably, Justice Samuel Alito recused himself from the proceedings due to investments in fossil fuel companies, leaving eight justices to hear the case. Meanwhile, international attention turns to South America as Brazil’s presidential election heads to a runoff. Following an initial round of voting that failed to produce an outright majority, the race has narrowed, setting the stage for a highly polarized contest that is being closely monitored by Washington.
Source: npr.org
