In reversal, Justice Samuel Alito steps aside from major climate case

Key Points:

• Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has decided to recuse himself from a major climate change case involving Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy, following calls for his recusal due to his stock holdings in oil companies.
• Alito holds stocks in oil companies ConocoPhillips, Phillips 66, and others in the energy sector, raising concerns that he could indirectly benefit from a ruling favoring the oil companies in a Colorado lawsuit seeking damages for climate change impacts.
• The case could have nationwide implications, as the oil and gas industry seeks a broad ruling to prevent similar lawsuits from proceeding in state courts, potentially saving them billions in damages.
• Alito’s recusal raises the possibility of a 4-4 split in the court’s 6-3 conservative majority, which would leave key legal issues unresolved.
• Previously, Alito recused himself from related appeals in 2023, though the court had stated his recusal was inadvertent and not required; advocacy groups maintain his recusal is appropriate given the potential indirect financial interests.