(May 9, 2024, 8:13 AM EDT) -- WASHINGTON, D.C. — In its brief in opposition to a petition for a writ of certiorari filed in the U.S. Supreme Court by a group of oil and gas companies seeking contribution for cleanup costs under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the United States says it’s not liable for environmental cleanup costs arising from petroleum production at refineries during World War II because it did not “operate” the refineries when it directed production of certain petroleum products at the facilities....