Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. has recused himself from a major climate-change case before the Supreme Court. The decision came days before oral arguments were scheduled to begin.
Alito had faced mounting pressure to step aside because he owns stock in oil companies. Those holdings created a potential conflict of interest in the case.
The case involves Suncor Energy, a Canadian oil company, and whether it can be sued in U.S. courts over climate-related damages. The outcome could affect similar lawsuits across the country.
Critics argued that Alito’s financial ties to the fossil fuel industry made his participation improper. Calls for recusal grew louder as the argument date approached.
Alito did not publicly explain his decision. The recusal was noted in a brief order from the court.
The move leaves eight justices to hear the case. A tie vote would leave the lower court’s ruling in place.
Recusal in Supreme Court cases is rare and typically happens without fanfare. Justices decide for themselves whether a conflict exists.
The case is one of several climate disputes reaching the high court. Its outcome could shape how courts handle lawsuits against energy companies.
Alito’s recusal may reduce concerns about impartiality. It also avoids a potential ethics controversy during a high-profile argument.
The court will hear arguments as scheduled. A ruling is expected by the end of the term.
