Justice Alito’s Fossil-Fuel Investments Spotlight Recusal Debate Ahead of Climate Case
Alito’s 2025 financial disclosure shows he owns multiple oil and gas stocks, prompting calls for him to step aside from a pending climate-change lawsuit.
A recent filing of Justice Samuel Alito’s 2025 financial disclosure indicates he possesses between $175,000 and $545,000 in various fossil-fuel related assets, including stakes in ConocoPhillips, Woodside Energy Group, AES Corp, Phillips 66, OGE Energy Corp, Black Hills Corp, BHP Group and Fortis Inc, as well as a mineral interest in Grady County, Oklahoma valued at $100,001-$250,000. Left-leaning watchdogs have urged him to withdraw from the Suncor Energy Inc. v. County Commissioners of Boulder County case, which asks whether climate-damage claims can be heard in state court, arguing his holdings create an appearance of bias.
The court, citing counsel advice, says recusal is unnecessary because Alito sold his Exxon shares a decade ago and holds no direct interest in the parties. He previously recused himself inadvertently in a 2023 appeal involving similar claims. Oral arguments are scheduled for Oct. 5, and the dispute follows a Colorado Supreme Court decision allowing Boulder to sue the companies in state court. The revelation also highlights Alito’s status as the second-wealthiest justice, with an estimated net worth of about $10 million.
Why it matters
The ruling will determine if state courts can hear climate-damage suits against oil firms, shaping future litigation.
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