In a recent decision, the Supreme Court has chosen not to intervene in a climate change case brought by the state of Minnesota against ExxonMobil and other fossil fuel groups, including the American Petroleum Institute trade group. However, Justice Brett Kavanaugh expressed his willingness to hear the case.

This development comes as several states and municipalities, including California, have taken legal action against big oil companies, demanding compensation for damages caused by climate-related disasters such as floods, wildfires, and extreme heat. These lawsuits aim to force the oil companies to contribute to abatement funds.

The fossil fuel industry appealed the Minnesota case to the Supreme Court, requesting a transfer of the case from state court to federal court, which could have potentially favored their position. Minnesota, along with 30 other states, cities, and counties, has employed consumer protection laws to initiate legal action against major oil companies, accusing them of deceiving the public about the harmful consequences of burning fossil fuels.

Ryan Meyers, the senior vice president and general counsel of the American Petroleum Institute trade group, expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court's decision, stating that climate policy should be debated in Congress rather than the judicial system.

The oil companies involved maintain that the lawsuits should be litigated in federal court rather than state court. However, their jurisdictional argument has been consistently dismissed by numerous federal judges, including eight federal appeals courts. Previously, the Supreme Court has refrained from intervening in similar lawsuits filed against major fossil fuel companies.

Minnesota's Attorney General, Keith Ellison, acknowledged the Court's decision and reiterated that the case was appropriately filed in state court. He expressed his hope to hold these companies accountable for their alleged wrongful conduct.

With the Supreme Court's decision, the case will now proceed in the state court system, allowing Minnesota to pursue its claims against ExxonMobil and other defendants. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for similar lawsuits filed across the country seeking accountability from the fossil fuel industry for their contributions to the climate crisis.