OT26 opens Monday with Boulder climate and veterans cases
The Supreme Court’s 2026-27 term opens Monday, Oct. 5, with arguments in Suncor Energy v. Boulder County and Johnson v. United States Congress. The climate case tests state suits against energy firms; Johnson asks when district courts may hear veterans-benefits constitution challenges.
The justices return Monday for the first day of the October 2026 argument session — the formal start of the 2026-27 term. SCOTUSblog’s calendar puts Suncor Energy (U.S.A.) v. Commissioners of Boulder County first: whether federal law bars state-law claims seeking relief for injuries allegedly caused by interstate and international greenhouse-gas emissions, and whether the Court even has authority to hear the case. Justice Samuel Alito will not participate, raising the chance of a 4–4 result that would leave Colorado’s ruling allowing the suit to proceed.
Also on the Oct. 5 day call is Johnson v. United States Congress, asking whether federal district courts have authority to hear challenges to the constitutionality of federal laws affecting veterans’ benefits. Later October arguments include Genalo v. Black on long-detention bond hearings for noncitizens and Salazar v. Paramount Global under the Video Privacy Protection Act. The Court plans seven cases over five October argument days. Audio of arguments is typically posted afterward on the Court’s website for readers who want the primary record.
For local governments, energy producers, and veterans navigating benefits rules, the stake is which courthouse — state or federal — gets the first word on lawsuits that can reshape costs and rights. Energy companies warn of an industry-bankrupting “carbon tax” theory; Boulder says it seeks damages, not emissions controls. Watch Monday’s questioning for signals on finality, Clean Air Act preemption, and veterans-jurisdiction limits.
What we know:
OT26 opens Oct. 5 with Suncor/Boulder and Johnson on the day call; Alito is out of the climate case; seven cases are set across five October argument days.
What we don’t:
How an eight-justice Court will divide on Boulder, or whether Johnson will redraw the map for veterans constitutional challenges.
Where outlets agree SCOTUSblog and the Court’s October calendar agree the term opens Oct. 5 with the Boulder climate dispute and the Johnson veterans-jurisdiction case on the day call.
Where they differ Energy companies say federal law and the Constitution bar Boulder’s state tort theory while Boulder says its damages claims can proceed under Colorado law.