NEW YORK – A federal appeals court on Thursday rejected New York City’s effort to hold five major oil companies liable for harm caused by global warming.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan ruled in favor of BP Plc, Chevron Corp, ConocoPhillips, Exxon Mobil Corp and Royal Dutch Shell Plc, rejecting the city’s efforts to sue under state law for trespass and creating a nuisance.
“Global warming presents a uniquely international problem of national concern,” Circuit Judge Richard Sullivan wrote for a three-judge pane. “It is therefore not well-suited to the application of state law.”
