Overview

• The U.S. Justice Department filed lawsuits against Michigan and Hawaii to prevent their anticipated climate lawsuits against fossil fuel companies, citing federal preemption under the Clean Air Act.
• Complaints were also filed against New York and Vermont, challenging their 'climate superfund' laws as unconstitutional state overreach.
• The lawsuits are part of President Trump's broader energy dominance agenda, bolstered by a January executive order declaring a national energy emergency.
• Legal experts describe the federal lawsuits as unprecedented, with concerns raised over their implications for state authority in addressing climate change.
• Michigan and Hawaii officials have criticized the lawsuits, with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel calling the move frivolous and reaffirming her intent to pursue climate litigation.