Washington — The Supreme Court on Monday said it will not consider whether to quash lawsuits brought by Honolulu seeking billions of dollars from oil and gas companies for the damage caused by the effects of climate change, clearing the way for the cases to move forward. The legal battle pursued in Hawaii state court is similar to others filed against the nation's largest energy companies by state and local governments in their courts.
Main Idea: The Supreme Court let Honolulu’s climate change lawsuits against energy companies move forward in Hawaii state court.
Key Points:
Honolulu’s lawsuit may raise costs for energy firms, and those costs could be passed on to consumers, workers, and local businesses through higher prices or slower investment.
The case could push more honesty about climate risks and give taxpayers a path to seek money for flood and erosion damage.
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
Plaintiff city and county seeking damages in the climate-change lawsuits.
Central court taking the action that lets the Hawaii lawsuits continue.
Honolulu public agency joined as a plaintiff in the lawsuit.
State high court whose ruling allowed the lawsuit to proceed.
Group of energy firms directly opposing the lawsuit and seeking Supreme Court review.
Federal regulator referenced in arguments about who can regulate greenhouse-gas emissions.
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