Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2007

Abstract

Approximately 35 lawsuits have been filed in the United States concerning global climate change, together with several administrative proceedings and officially threatened actions. About half of them have led to judicial decisions, and several of those are under appeal; most of the rest are pending.

Much attention has deservedly gone to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Massachusetts v. the EPA, but that is only the tip of the figurative iceberg; and unlike most of the real ones, it is growing rather than melting.

This article surveys U.S. climate change litigation. The lawsuits can be broadly divided between those raising statutory claims and (a far smaller group) common-law claims. There is also a small third category of public international law claims.

Disciplines

Environmental Law | Law

Center/Program

Sabin Center for Climate Change Law

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