Supreme Court pressured by far-right groups to protect big oil

A campaign led by far-right fossil fuel allies is urging the Supreme Court to shield oil companies from lawsuits seeking billions in climate damages.

Dharna Noor reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• Allies of Leonard Leo, who helped select Trump’s Supreme Court nominees, are pressuring the court to dismiss state-led climate lawsuits against big oil.
• The Supreme Court is reviewing a petition from oil companies to overturn a Hawaii ruling allowing a climate case to proceed.
• The campaign includes opinion pieces and briefs from conservative groups and Republican state attorneys general.

Key quote:

“I have never, ever seen this kind of overt political campaign to influence the court like this.”

— Patrick Parenteau, professor at Vermont Law School

Why this matters:

The push to dismiss these climate lawsuits highlights the significant influence of right-wing networks on the judiciary. If successful, it could undermine efforts to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in climate change.

Related EHN coverage:

• Oil companies face climate change lawsuits after years of delays
• Italian oil company ENI faces landmark climate lawsuit
• Chicago takes on oil giants in climate lawsuit