( The Center Square) – The CEO of an energy advocacy organization detailed what he says the consequences of one of the nation’s biggest current climate liability suits, Suncor v. Boulder, could have on the nation, stating that both energy costs and energy security are at stake. ( The Center Square) – The CEO of an energy advocacy organization detailed what he says the consequences of one of the nation’s biggest current climate liability suits, Suncor v. Boulder, could have on the nation, stating that both energy costs and energy security are at stake. CEO of American Energy Institute Jason Isaac told The Center Square that Suncor v. Boulder “will decide who sets American energy policy: Congress and the president, who answer to voters in all 50 states, or a single county courtroom in Colorado. ”
Suncor v. Boulder is an ongoing climate case where Boulder County, Colorado, is suing to make a number of energy companies liable for climate change. The U. S. Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments for the case. Isaac told The Center Square that “Chief Justice [John] Roberts noted at argument that a win for Boulder would bring similar suits in every state, and dozens of other jurisdictions have already filed them. “Each would seek to hold energy producers liable for the alleged cumulative, worldwide effect of a product that Americans bought, used, and paid taxes on lawfully,” Isaac said. “Companies would price that exposure into every investment decision, and families would see it in what they pay for fuel, power, and everything that moves on both. ”
Isaac noted that “Texas has an especially large stake. ”
“Oil and gas generated roughly $27 billion in state and local taxes and royalties in 2025, and that revenue funds our schools, roads, and property tax relief,” Isaac said. “A ruling for Suncor would keep these decisions with the elected branches that the Constitution assigns to make them,” Isaac said. Isaac also noted the aspect of energy security as it relates to climate change litigation. “Energy security is national security,” Isaac said. “Countries that produce affordable, reliable energy hold leverage, and countries that depend on others give it up. ”
“American production and LNG exports gave our European allies a way to reduce their reliance on Russian gas after 2022,” Isaac said. “If American producers face open-ended liability in thousands of courtrooms, their cost of capital would rise and investment would slow, and that supply would shift to Russia, Iran, and other producers whose interests differ sharply from ours,” Isaac said. Isaac noted that “the federal government shares this view of the structure.