Scott Harris, clerk of the Supreme Court, told the parties' lawyers in a letter Monday that Alito was stepping aside.
Carrie Severino, president of JCN, told Fox News Digital that Alito "does not take his duty to sit lightly." She said the reason for his recusal has not been made public, but she doesn't expect it to change the outcome of the case.
The case centers on whether Boulder County, Colorado, can hold Suncor Energy liable for climate change damages. The question has implications for energy companies and local governments across the country pursuing similar claims. With one fewer justice on the bench, the case could still reshape how courts handle climate liability lawsuits nationwide.
Neither the court nor Alito has explained why, leaving legal observers to guess.