The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of Chevron regarding climate-related litigation. This decision allows the company to move 42 lawsuits from state to federal court. Louisiana parishes originally filed these suits, alleging the company is responsible for coastal land loss.
Justice Clarence Thomas authored the opinion, citing a broad interpretation of the federal officer removal statute. The court found Chevron’s energy production activities were closely linked to duties performed under federal authority.
This ruling likely impacts dozens of similar lawsuits nationwide. It challenges the legal strategy of holding energy companies liable for climate damages in state courts.