Justice Alito Recuses Himself from Major Climate Case

<figure><img alt="Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito attends an event organized by the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See, in Rome, Italy, September 20, 2025." src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/ATSDVEDFPRADLBIRGO3CAY6FHE.JPG?auth=a261b816f7e48c8ca1bc558b06220994bad45d2f0e37501aa98584fd3db6141d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=6985&amp;height=3929" /><figcaption>Vincenzo Livieri/Reuters</figcaption></figure><p>Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito will not participate in a significant climate case following calls for him to recuse himself due to his holdings in oil company stocks. </p><p>This decision marks a change from his previous stance, as reported by NBC News on September 28, 2026, after Alito had initially resisted calls for recusal. </p><p>The announcement was made in a brief letter from the court's clerk to the attorneys involved in the case. The letter stated, “I am writing to inform the parties that Justice Alito has determined that he will not continue to participate in this case.” </p><p>The letter did not specify the reasons for Alito's decision to recuse himself. Oral arguments for the case are scheduled for the following week. </p><p>Previously, Alito, through a court spokesperson, indicated to NBC News that he did not see a need to step aside, asserting that he “does not have a financial interest in any party.”</p><p>The case involves Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy, which are seeking to dismiss a Colorado lawsuit that claims oil companies have contributed to climate change. </p><p>Progressive groups have consistently urged Alito to recuse himself from this case, which is considered one of the most significant cases the court will address this term, with substantial implications for climate change litigation. </p><p>According to Alito's financial disclosures, he holds stocks in several energy companies, including ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66. </p><p>An analysis by the group Court Accountability earlier this year indicated that Alito has received up to $2.9 million from his investments in oil and gas companies between 2005 and 2024. </p><p>The oil and gas industry is hopeful that the Supreme Court will rule in a manner that prevents similar lawsuits from proceeding, potentially saving them from paying billions in damages. </p><p>With Alito's recusal, the Supreme Court's current conservative majority of six to three may lead to a more divided ruling, which could be less favorable to the oil and gas companies. </p><p>The Revolving Doors Project was among the organizations advocating for Alito’s recusal. They stated, “Bad news for Exxon, and a win for the power of public pressure calling out the blatant corruption of the Roberts Court: Justice Alito is stepping down from further participating in Suncor v. Boulder, a week before oral arguments.”</p>