Trump Administration Sues Michigan to Block Climate Change Lawsuit Against Fossil Fuel Companies

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against the state of Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Attorney General Dana Nessel, seeking to prevent Michigan from pursuing legal action against fossil fuel companies for alleged climate change-related damages, Bloomberg reports.

The suit, filed Wednesday in a US District Court in Michigan, argues that the state’s planned lawsuit interferes with federal policy on greenhouse gas regulation and constitutes an “extraordinary extraterritorial reach” beyond Michigan’s authority. The complaint, filed by Department of Justice lawyers, claims the lawsuit would raise energy costs and disrupt the regulation of fossil fuel production.

Michigan Attorney General Nessel announced in May 2024 her intention to sue the fossil fuel industry for the long-term environmental, economic, and societal risks posed by climate change, despite industry knowledge of these consequences. Governor Whitmer, a vocal supporter of clean energy, signed legislation in 2023 that her office described as positioning Michigan as “a national leader in the fight against climate change.”

Requests for comment from the White House and Michigan officials were not immediately returned. The federal filing refers to the state’s lawsuit as “anticipated,” leaving open the question of whether the lawsuit has been formally filed by Michigan.

The Trump administration’s action represents a swift move away from the Biden administration’s emphasis on clean energy initiatives. The administration has already taken steps to overturn the US government’s official determination that greenhouse gases endanger public health.

In mid-April, President Trump signed an executive order promoting coal use to meet the energy demands of AI data centers. He further directed the Department of Justice to take legal action against states imposing fines on fossil fuel companies for greenhouse gas emissions.

Despite the federal government’s shift towards fossil fuels, approximately 20 states maintain clean energy goals, according to the Clean Energy States Alliance. Michigan’s ambitious plan aims for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.