The Supreme Court said Monday it would consider a key global warming case over the right of US states to regulate carbon emissions as a "public nuisance." In a move that could significantly impact the US approach to fighting climate change, the top court in the coming months will consider a lower ruling that allows states and environmental groups to sue utility companies under federal public nuisance law to make them reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
US federal law already provides a system to regulate greenhouse gases, but the appeals court ruling in favour of the lawsuit filed by environmentalists, eight states and New York City would allow an additional avenue to pursue emitters.