Justice Alito Recuses Himself from Climate Case Amid Scrutiny Over Oil Stock Holdings

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has recused himself from a significant climate-change case, a decision that follows scrutiny over his stock holdings in oil companies. The recusal was announced in a letter filed in the case, which did not state a specific reason for his withdrawal.

Alito had previously recused himself from other cases involving companies in which he held stock. The court is scheduled to hear arguments in the case, filed by local officials in Boulder, Colorado, against energy companies Suncor Energy and ExxonMobil. This case is one of many similar lawsuits alleging that companies have misled the public about the contribution of fossil fuels to climate change, with potential damages in the billions of dollars.

The energy companies involved argue that these lawsuits pose a substantial risk to the industry and that state courts are not the appropriate venue for addressing a global issue like climate change. The Supreme Court agreed to review an appeal from the companies, which was supported by the Trump administration.

While Alito does not hold direct stock in Suncor Energy or ExxonMobil, his financial disclosures indicate holdings in other oil companies, such as ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66. Consumer Watchdog has suggested that these indirect investments could allow him to benefit from a ruling favorable to the industry. The group pointed to the court's recently adopted code of ethics, which advises justices to recuse themselves if they or their families have a connection to the subject matter or controversy of a case. Consumer Watchdog's organizing director, Alexandra Nagy, stated that Alito's recusal from Suncor v. Boulder was the correct decision and one that should have been made earlier.