Supreme Court Kicks Off New Term with Climate, Religious Rights Battles

The Supreme Court began its new term today, October 5, with a major climate change case at the forefront. Justices are hearing arguments in a lawsuit brought by Boulder, Colorado, against energy companies Suncor Energy and Exxon Mobil [1, 2].

Boulder is seeking to hold the energy giants accountable for the effects of global climate change. The core legal question is whether federal law prevents Boulder County from suing these companies in state court over alleged deceptive marketing and the sale of fossil fuels ^[1].

Energy companies Suncor and Exxon Mobil contend that these lawsuits could impose a carbon tax on the industry and lead to bankruptcy. They argue climate change is a complex global issue that cannot be traced to individual sources and that such litigation constitutes a power grab by local authorities [1, 2].

A decision favoring the energy companies would halt Boulder's lawsuit and could impact dozens of similar cases nationwide. Conversely, if Boulder prevails, it could give states and municipalities the green light to establish conflicting climate policies ^[1].

Justice Samuel Alito will not participate in the Boulder climate case, though no reason was given for his recusal. He reported owning stocks in other energy companies, ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66, in his 2025 financial disclosure ^[1].

Later this term, in November, the Court will also hear a case involving a Catholic preschool in Colorado that claims it was unlawfully excluded from the state's universal preschool program [1, 2]. The Archdiocese of Denver, which oversees the preschools, sought an exemption from the program's nondiscrimination rule to admit only families adhering to Catholic teachings on gender identity and sexual orientation ^[1].

Colorado's universal preschool program provides state funding for four-year-olds to attend the preschool of their choice, including private or faith-based providers. However, the program includes a nondiscrimination provision covering religion, race, sexual orientation, and gender identity ^[1]. The Archdiocese and others argue they are entitled to an exemption under the First Amendment's Free Exercise Clause.

Other significant cases on the docket include challenges to President Trump's immigration policies, such as the deportation of migrants to countries where they have no ties and mandatory detention policies. The Court will also consider cases related to assault weapons bans and Arizona's strict voting laws ^[2]. The story was first reported by CBS News and The Independent.