In Other News · United States

Source: Axios

The Supreme Court on Monday will hear arguments in a case that could determine the fate of state-court lawsuits nationwide seeking climate damages from oil giants.Why it matters: Billions and billions of dollars are at stake for the oil industry in dozens of cases brought by state and local governments. Governments face mounting costs from climate change that litigants link directly to the companies' products. The big picture: SCOTUS is considering whether federal law blocks damage claims under state laws for the effects of interstate and global emissions.State of play: It's specifically about litigation against Exxon and Suncor that the city and county of Boulder filed in 2018. But dozens of state-court cases are active in California, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts and beyond. The cases aren't identical. But overall they accuse oil giants of concealing risks or making deceptive statements, and seek damages for climate-related costs.Here are a few big themes and dynamics ahead of Monday morning:This is a blockbuster. The decision will be the culmination of an intense, years-long battle (unless it's not, but more on that in a moment).There's a high level of organizing, lobbying and advocacy among industry and climate advocates alike around these state cases.Industry and...