Nineteen Republican AGs asks SCOTUS to weigh in on Democratic states’ climate suits

Republican attorneys general in 19 states, led by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, have filed a complaint with the Supreme Court arguing that five Democratic states' climate lawsuits against oil companies are trying to dictate energy policy to the rest of the U.S. 

“Citing fears of a climate catastrophe, they seek massive penalties, disgorgement, and injunctive relief against energy producers based on out-of-state conduct with out-of-state effects," the complaint reads. "On their view, a small gas station in rural Alabama could owe damages to the people of Minnesota simply for selling a gallon of gas."

The complaint refers to lawsuits filed by California, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Jersey and Rhode Island.

Marshall says the states can enforce their own preferred policies within their state, but they have no authority to impose those policies on the rest of the country. 

“If the Supreme Court lets them continue, California and its allies will imperil access to affordable energy for every American. That would threaten our national security and harm millions of Americans already struggling to pay for gas and groceries," h said. "To protect Alabama citizens and our constitutional order, we had no choice but to sue."