Title: Trump Administration Sues Hawaii and Michigan to Block Climate Change Lawsuits Against Oil Companies
Washington — In a significant legal move, the Trump administration has filed lawsuits against Hawaii and Michigan to prevent them from pursuing legal action against major oil companies related to climate change. The administration argues that the Democratic-led states’ planned lawsuits represent overreach and threaten domestic energy production.
Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green indicated that the state intends to proceed with a lawsuit against fossil fuel companies imminently. In Michigan, Attorney General Dana Nessel has previously engaged law firms to prepare for similar litigation. The Justice Department contends that these lawsuits would impede federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and violate national objectives regarding energy policy.
The lawsuits were filed shortly after Trump’s campaign made a commitment to combat what it termed "frivolous litigation from environmental extremists" as part of the 2024 election agenda. Citing an executive order signed on January 20, which accelerates energy project permits and rolls back environmental protections, the Justice Department stated that state actions are increasing energy costs for Americans and weakening the U.S. energy stance against foreign adversaries.
Both Hawaii and Michigan are accused of obstructing the administration’s goal to enhance the domestic energy supply. The Justice Department emphasized that such interference contradicts the U.S. Constitution and laws.
Responses from legal representatives in both states remain pending. This action follows a trend where various Democratic-led states have initiated lawsuits against oil companies, alleging they misled the public about the environmental impacts of fossil fuel use. Many of these legal battles are currently in early stages, facing challenges as oil companies dispute the legitimacy of state-level lawsuits. The U.S. Supreme Court recently rejected attempts by GOP-led states to hinder similar allegations from Democratic states.
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