A federal judge is weighing whether a climate lawsuit filed by Charleston, S.C., against major oil companies could be derailed by a Trump-era executive order. The city claims these companies misled the public about climate risks, while the order argues such cases threaten national security by targeting energy producers. Meanwhile, Charleston is already taking action—like building a sea wall—to protect its downtown from rising seas, underscoring the urgency behind the lawsuit.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another legal skirmish—it’s a test of whether cities can hold fossil fuel companies accountable for climate damages, or if federal policy will shield them. With coastal cities like Charleston spending millions to adapt to climate change, the outcome could set a precedent for who foots the bill: taxpayers or the industry accused of downplaying the crisis.