Friday, June 03, 2011

Can I sue everyone else in the world for breathing?

Can I sue my neighbor under nuisance law for contributing to climate change?
The precise question before the Court is whether those who emit GHGs can be sued by states, municipalities and private entities under the federal common law of nuisance. The Second Circuit – the federal appellate court overseeing federal district courts in New York, Connecticut and Vermont – found that, yes, such lawsuits are allowed. If the Supreme Court agrees, the consequences would be far-reaching and complex.

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