In reversal, Justice Samuel Alito steps aside from major climate case

WASHINGTON — Conservative Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito will no longer participate in a major climate change case after facing calls that he recuse himself because of his stock holdings in oil companies.

The new development was disclosed in a letter dated Monday and sent to lawyers involved in the case, with no reason given.

“Justice Alito has determined that he will not continue to participate in this case,” the letter said.

Alito had, via a court spokeswoman, previously told NBC News there was no need for him to step aside from the case, which is being argued next week and could have broad nationwide implications when the court issues a ruling.

Left-leaning groups have repeatedly called for Alito’s recusal from the case, in which ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy are seeking to toss out a Colorado lawsuit seeking damages from the oil companies for the impacts of climate change.

Although Alito does not own stocks in either company, he does hold stocks in oil companies ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66, as well as five other firms involved in the energy sector, his financial disclosure report says.

Activists calling for his recusal said the companies he holds stocks in could benefit if…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business