Only one indirectly related event was detected in this period. Justice Samuel Alito recused himself from the Supreme Court climate case Suncor Energy v. Boulder, which considers whether oil companies can be sued in state court for climate change damages. His recusal raises the prospect of a 4-4 tie, leaving lower court rulings intact without national precedent. Justice Thomas does not directly appear in this development, marking a shift from the previous period where his dissenting position was the focal point.
- Justice Alito recused himself from the climate case Suncor Energy v. Boulder, which considers whether oil companies can be sued in state court for climate change damages.
- The recusal, announced days before oral arguments, raises the prospect of a 4-4 tie, which would leave lower court rulings intact without establishing national precedent.
- The case stems from a Boulder, Colorado lawsuit seeking to hold energy firms liable for climate-related costs.
- Justice Thomas does not directly appear in this development, contrasting with the previous period where his dissenting position was the focal point.
