Beyond the Bench: S2 EP 1 Who's Really Making the Rules: Energy Responsibility in the US

We sit down with constitutional scholar John Yoo to unpack one of the most consequential trends in modern litigation: using local lawsuits to influence national climate policy. At the center of the discussion is County Commissioners of Boulder County v. Suncor Energy USA, Inc., where Colorado local governments are attempting to hold energy companies liable under state tort law for the global effects of climate change. Professor Yoo, who joined an amicus brief in the case, walks us through the constitutional stakes: When does federal law preempt state tort claims? Should courts be setting policy that affects the entire country? What happens to constitutional federalism if every state adopts its own climate liability regime? This conversation goes beyond energy policy. It strikes at the heart of separation of powers, the proper role of courts, and whether nationwide policy decisions should be made through legislation, or litigation. About MSLF: Mountain States Legal Foundation is a non-profit law firm based in the American West. We go to court to fight for your constitutional rights. Your freedom is under attack. To learn what you can do to fight back, visit: Website: http://www.mslegal.org/ Facebook:   / mountainstateslegalfoundation   Twitter:   / mslf