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Maryland Supreme Court Dismisses Local Climate Change Lawsuits

3/26/2026

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Maryland Court Dismisses Lawsuits

The Maryland Supreme Court dismissed climate change lawsuits filed by Baltimore, Annapolis, and Anne Arundel County against fossil fuel companies, ruling that the localities sought to regulate emissions—a power reserved for the federal government.
The court said the claims concerned global emissions, not state-law violations.
Dissenting Justice Killough argued the majority mischaracterized the case and that the localities deserved a chance to present their claims.

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Energy Giants Strategize

Shell, Chevron, RWE, and TotalEnergies are shifting their legal strategies in climate litigation.
The companies acknowledge climate change is real and human-caused but contest their responsibility.
They argue climate change is a collective issue driven by society's energy demands.
They challenge legal causation between emissions and harms, citing uncertainties in climate science.
The focus now is on determining legal and financial responsibility rather than disputing climate change.

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Maryland Court Dismisses Lawsuits

The Maryland Supreme Court dismissed climate change lawsuits filed by Baltimore, Annapolis, and Anne Arundel County against fossil fuel companies, ruling that the localities sought to regulate emissions—a power reserved for the federal government.
The court said the claims concerned global emissions, not state-law violations.
Dissenting Justice Killough argued the majority mischaracterized the case and that the localities deserved a chance to present their claims.

1 / 2