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Alito Recusal Sets Up 4–4 Deadlock in Climate Case

By Drooid · Oct 3, 2026, 3:00 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Alito recuses, deadlock

Supreme Court will hear Suncor Energy Inc. v. Boulder County, testing climate-change liability.
Exxon Mobil and Suncor argue the Clean Air Act preempts state climate suits.
Solicitor General D. John Sauer says the Act gives EPA exclusive regulatory authority.
Justice Samuel Alito’s recusal creates a possible 4-4 deadlock, letting Boulder’s case proceed.
Experts warn the ruling could block dozens of climate-change accountability suits nationwide.

Summary

Trump slams justices

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly called three Supreme Court justices he appointed disloyal and an embarrassment to their families.
The Supreme Court began a new nine-month term on Monday, starting its 2025-26 session.
Gallup’s September poll showed 61% of U.S. adults disapprove of the Court, a record low.
Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito will shape the term, including December 2 AR-15 ban arguments and December 8 Arizona citizenship case.

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Alito recuses, deadlock

Supreme Court will hear Suncor Energy Inc. v. Boulder County, testing climate-change liability.
Exxon Mobil and Suncor argue the Clean Air Act preempts state climate suits.
Solicitor General D. John Sauer says the Act gives EPA exclusive regulatory authority.
Justice Samuel Alito’s recusal creates a possible 4-4 deadlock, letting Boulder’s case proceed.
Experts warn the ruling could block dozens of climate-change accountability suits nationwide.

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