Jay Inslee Takes On Oil Companies at U.S. Supreme Court + Judge Rules Sheriff Laws Unconstitutional

Former Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is taking aim at the oil and gas industry as the U.S. Supreme Court hears a major climate-change case that could affect lawsuits against fossil-fuel companies across the country. The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Monday in Suncor Energy v. Boulder County, a case involving ExxonMobil, Suncor Energy and local governments in Colorado seeking damages for alleged climate-change impacts. At issue is whether federal law prevents state-law claims against fossil-fuel companies for alleged harms tied to greenhouse-gas emissions and climate change. Similar climate lawsuits have been filed around the country, making the Supreme Court's eventual decision potentially significant for states, cities, counties and the energy industry. Former Washington Gov. Jay Inslee appeared outside the U.S. Supreme Court as arguments began. Inslee accused the oil and gas industry of decades of deception about climate change, calling it the “biggest lie in American history,” and argued that local governments should have access to the courts to pursue their claims. ExxonMobil and Suncor dispute the allegations and argue that state and local governments cannot use state law to address what they describe as a global emissions issue governed by federal law. Also in today's Washington In Focus Daily, the debate over Initiative 638 is intensifying ahead of Washington's November 3 election. I-638 concerns participation in K-12 athletics and would require policies prohibiting students the initiative defines as biologically male from competing against female students in certain girls-only athletic competitions. The initiative would also require students seeking to participate in those competitions to provide a signed statement from a health-care provider verifying biological sex. Supporters of I-638 gathered in Vancouver, Washington, over the weekend for a rally featuring female athletes and former U.S. national gymnastics champion Jennifer Sey. Supporters argue the initiative is necessary to protect fairness and opportunities in girls sports. Opponents argue the proposal discriminates against transgender students and have raised concerns about its medical verification requirements. Washington voters will decide I-638 in the November 3 general election. Finally, Washington sheriffs and other challengers have won a major court ruling against Senate Bill 5974. Thurston County Superior Court Judge Christine Schaller ruled key provisions of Washington's new sheriff standards law unconstitutional. The law established new eligibility and enforcement requirements affecting candidates for county sheriff and elected sheriffs. Challengers argued the legislation went beyond the Washington Legislature's constitutional authority and improperly threatened elected officials' speech, associations and ability to remain in office. Kitsap County sheriff candidate Rick Kuss called the decision a “huge victory” and argued that voters should have the right to choose their sheriff. The Washington Attorney General's Office plans to appeal the ruling, meaning the legal battle over Senate Bill 5974 is not over. Today's Washington In Focus Daily examines Jay Inslee, the U.S. Supreme Court, ExxonMobil, Suncor Energy, climate-change lawsuits, Initiative 638, Washington girls sports, transgender athletes, Senate Bill 5974, Washington sheriffs, free speech and state government. Follow The Center Square for continuing coverage of Washington state government, the courts, elections, public safety, energy policy and the November 2026 election. #JayInslee #SupremeCourt #ExxonMobil #BigOil #ClimateChange #WashingtonState #Initiative638 #GirlsSports #WashingtonElection #Sheriffs #FreeSpeech #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus