Overview

• Judge Roger Young granted a motion to dismiss the City of Charleston’s suit against 24 oil and gas companies, ruling that greenhouse gas regulation lies exclusively with federal law.
• The dismissal was entered with prejudice, preventing the city from refiling its nuisance and consumer deception claims in state court.
• Charleston’s 2020 lawsuit accused major energy firms including Chevron and BP of misleading the public about fossil fuel risks and causing increased flooding, storms and ecosystem damage.
• Industry groups and constitutional law experts hailed the ruling as a victory for separation of powers and a defense against competing state-level climate standards.
• Related climate lawsuits are still pending in Hawaii, Minnesota, Portland and Michigan, underscoring an unsettled national litigation landscape.