Supreme Court begins new term with high-profile look at clean air and federal authority

The Supreme Court launched its new term Monday with a blockbuster oral argument over whether federal or state laws and courts should handle civil lawsuits against energy companies for alleged climate change harms.

Eight justices debated for nearly two hours on a key gateway over environmental liability — who decides and where. It was unclear after the public session how the court might rule.

Absent was Justice Samuel Alito, who recused last week after calls to step aside because he owns stock in oil companies...