美国最高法院新任期伊始，主要石油公司正寻求驳回市镇提起的气候变化诉讼。此案的结果可能影响数百起类似待审案件的命运。
The US Supreme Court's new term opens with major oil companies seeking to have municipal climate-change lawsuits thrown out. The outcome could shape the fate of hundreds of similar pending cases.
美国最高法院于传统上每年十月第一个星期一开庭的新任期伊始，受理了主要石油公司要求驳回市镇提起的气候变化诉讼的请求。
The US Supreme Court opened its new term, which traditionally begins the first Monday in October, by taking up a bid from major oil companies to dismiss climate-change lawsuits filed by municipalities.
这些诉讼是数十起由城市和州提起的案件之一，旨在要求化石燃料生产商承担其对气候变化所作贡献的损害赔偿责任。石油公司主张，此类诉讼应由联邦法院管辖，而非州法院。
The cases are among dozens in which cities and states seek damages from fossil-fuel producers over their contribution to climate change. The companies argue such claims belong in federal court, not state court.
此案的裁决可能为全国范围内类似待审诉讼的命运设定先例。环保组织和能源公司均在密切关注此案的进展。
The ruling could set a precedent determining the fate of similar pending suits nationwide. Environmental groups and energy companies are both watching the proceedings closely.