Justice Alito's fossil-fuel holdings spark conflict-of-interest concerns ahead of climate lawsuit
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is being scrutinized for his oil-industry investments as the Court prepares to hear a Colorado case accusing major oil firms of climate damage.
The city and county of Boulder have filed a lawsuit against Suncor and ExxonMobil, alleging their greenhouse-gas emissions are driving warming that endangers Colorado’s agriculture, water resources and multi-billion-dollar ski sector. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on October 5 regarding whether such companies can be held liable for climate harms. Justice Samuel Alito, who has not stepped aside, disclosed in his 2025 financial report ownership of stocks in multiple energy firms, including ConocoPhillips, Woodside Energy Group, OGE Energy Corp. and Black Hills Corp., with investments totaling up to $2.9 million since 2005.
Although he no longer holds Exxon shares, his overall fossil-fuel exposure makes the case controversial. Critics contend his financial interests could bias the Court’s ruling, while supporters note he does not own shares in the sued companies. The dispute underscores broader concerns about judicial impartiality amid a surge of climate-change litigation.
Why it matters
It raises concerns that a justice’s financial ties could affect a landmark climate-liability case before the nation’s highest court.
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