WASHINGTON, D.C. (WDNews) — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall attended oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court Monday in a case involving who has the authority to regulate issues tied to energy infrastructure and climate claims.
According to Marshall’s office, the case could determine whether local officials in a single state can pursue claims that could affect energy policy beyond their jurisdiction.
Marshall led a 26-state amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to take up the case, Suncor Energy (U.S.A.) Inc. v. Board of County Commissioners of Boulder County.
Following oral arguments, Marshall criticized efforts by Boulder County, Colorado, and other jurisdictions to seek damages from energy companies over climate-related claims.
“One city in Colorado is asking the courts to let it set energy policy for the entire country. Boulder has no authority over the global atmosphere, but they and a growing list of other jurisdictions want the energy industry to pay billions for climate claims they have no business bringing,” Marshall said.
“Those costs would land on the families who fill up their tanks and pay their utility bills. Twenty-six states understand that this case is about who governs, and that is why we stood together,” he said.
Marshall said energy policy should be determined by Congress and state governments rather than individual local governments.
“Suncor and our coalition partners deserve credit for taking this fight seriously. Our energy independence depends on rules made by Congress and the states, not by a single county commission,” Marshall said. “I am confident that a majority of the Justices agree.”
