Overview
- The U.S. Department of Justice filed lawsuits against Hawaii, Michigan, New York, and Vermont, challenging their climate-related legal actions against fossil fuel companies.
- The DOJ argues that these state initiatives are preempted by the federal Clean Air Act and infringe on the U.S. Constitution by exceeding state authority over greenhouse gas regulation and foreign policy.
- Hawaii and Michigan face lawsuits for planning to sue fossil fuel companies over climate damages, with Hawaii already filing its case on May 1, 2025.
- New York and Vermont are being challenged over their 'climate superfund' laws, which impose liability on fossil fuel companies, with New York seeking $75 billion in damages.
- Legal experts criticize the DOJ's unprecedented preemptive lawsuits, calling the move an aggressive tactic to support the fossil fuel industry and undermine states' rights to address climate change.