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The Supreme Court will begin its new term in October with a dispute over whether state laws can hold fossil fuel companies liable for climate change.

The Supreme Court will begin its new term in October with a dispute over whether state laws can hold fossil fuel companies liable for climate change. Suncor Energy (U.S.A.) v. Commissioners of Boulder County will be the first case heard by the justices on October 5. The case centers on whether federal law precludes state-law claims for injuries caused by interstate and international greenhouse gas emissions. If the court rules in favor of the energy companies, the decision could halt dozens of pending lawsuits nationwide. Conversely, if the court rules for the Colorado county, it could allow state and local governments to pursue similar claims. The administration announced that the case is a significant test of federal preemption. While the administration's narrow view of state law application is being challenged by various groups, the court will also consider other high-profile cases in October. These include a dispute over prolonged immigration detention and a digital privacy case involving streaming platforms. The justices will also address veterans' benefits, federal sentencing, and environmental permitting in Guam.

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