The Implications of Climate Lawsuits for Energy Security

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In recent years, more than 30 states, counties, and municipalities have filed lawsuits against energy companies under state public nuisance and consumer protection laws. These lawsuits, which seek damages for the alleged effects of climate change, have attracted the attention of the United States Supreme Court—particularly Honolulu v. Sunoco. In these cases, the Supreme Court will decide whether state law claims seeking climate-related damages are precluded by the Constitution and preempted by the Clean Air Act. In early June, the Supreme Court invited the Justice Department’s solicitor general to file a brief expressing the views of the United States, which the department is likely to file this year. These lawsuits carry enormous legal, foreign policy, national security, legislative, public governance, and innovation implications.

Join Hudson for an expert discussion featuring various perspectives on these climate lawsuits and their potential impact.