Judge Sends Climate Suit vs. Fossil Companies To RI State Court

"PROVIDENCE -- A federal judge has dealt a blow to a group of fossil fuel companies being sued by Rhode Island over the costs of climate change impacts with a decision to move the case back to the state court system.

Chief Judge William E. Smith, of U.S. District Court in Providence, ruled on Monday that the public-nuisance claims made by the Rhode Island attorney general’s office are all made under state statutes and are not preempted by federal laws.

“Because there is no federal jurisdiction under the various statutes and doctrines adverted to by Defendants, the Court GRANTS the State’s Motion to Remand,” Smith wrote."

Alex Kuffner reports for the Providence Journal July 22, 2019.