Justice Samuel Alito remains embroiled in a growing ethics controversy as a newly released financial disclosure indicates he continues to hold significant investments in oil and gas companies. This revelation comes just weeks before the Supreme Court is set to hear a pivotal climate-related case.

The Administrative Office of the United States Courts published Alito’s financial report for the year 2025 on Monday. The timing raises questions about his ability to impartially adjudicate a case involving fossil fuel producers, particularly as he is set to hear arguments in October.

Prominent watchdog organizations had previously urged an investigation into whether Alito’s participation in the case ethically aligns with his financial interests. They argue that his stake in oil and gas holdings could directly benefit him depending on the court’s ruling.

NBC News Supreme Court reporter Lawrence Hurley highlighted on social media that Alito has not divested from his oil and gas stocks ahead of this major case, confirming ongoing concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Two advocacy groups, concerned about Alito’s financial entanglements, sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee in May, calling for an investigation into possible violations of the court’s ethics code. In their view, Alito’s decision to remain involved in a case concerning fossil fuel accountability presents a serious ethical breach.

“His participation in cases that could financially benefit him and his billionaire associates is deeply troubling,” the groups stated, adding that the only way to restore public trust would be for Alito to recuse himself entirely from energy-related cases.

The newly released disclosure confirms that Alito still holds shares in major oil and gas companies, including ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66. Additionally, he maintains investments in other energy-related entities, which have not changed in value from the previous year.

Among his investments, Alito lists a mineral interest in Grady County, Oklahoma, valued between $100,001 and $250,000, further solidifying his active ties to the energy sector.

What complicates matters further is that no other justice on the Supreme Court holds similar direct investments. Chief Justice John Roberts, for instance, has investments in unrelated companies.

The impending case has already ignited significant debate: it was initiated by Boulder, Colorado, which is seeking to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for the financial burdens of climate change. The firms involved, including Suncor Energy and Exxon Mobil, are arguing that federal law safeguards them from local government lawsuits.

A ruling favoring the fossil fuel industry could set a precedent that blankets local government ability to address climate damage with similar lawsuits across the nation.

The disclosures from Alito have drawn sharp critique. Former Justice Department official Lisa Graves, now with the watchdog group True North Research, labeled the situation “hugely problematic,” emphasizing that judges should not rule on cases that might yield personal financial gain.

While a court spokeswoman previously stated that Alito does not have a direct financial interest in the companies involved in the upcoming case, critics remain unconvinced. They highlight the potential for interconnected interests, especially given Alito’s previous ties to influential political donors.

Alito had faced criticism previously for undisclosed luxury travel funded by hedge fund magnate Paul Singer, who has significant stock holdings in Suncor Energy.

Since adopting its first formal ethics code in 2023, the Supreme Court has allowed justices to self-determine their recusal from cases, a move some experts, including Graves, describe as effectively meaningless.

The ongoing controversy calls for a clearer framework for judicial ethics. Senator Dick Durbin, the Senate Judiciary Committee’s ranking member, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for enforceable conduct standards.

The looming Supreme Court hearing amplifies the stakes of this ethical dilemma. As the nation wrestles with climate change, how the justices, and particularly Alito, navigate their financial ties could shape the future of environmental regulation in the United States.

Alito’s financial investments are now poised to scrutinize not just his judgment, but the integrity of the Supreme Court as a whole. With a decision expected in October, all eyes will be on the court—and the potential ramifications for judicial ethics in America.