The U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to hear challenges regarding state and local lawsuits targeting oil companies for climate change-related damages.

These lawsuits, filed by energy-producing states, oil companies, and industry groups, seek to compel oil companies to compensate for climate change impacts.

Critics argue the lawsuits push anti-fossil fuel policies and would lead to higher costs for consumers. Advocates, however, claim they are necessary to hold companies accountable for environmental harm.