Overview
- The U.S. Department of Justice filed lawsuits against Michigan and Hawaii to prevent the states from pursuing climate damage claims against major oil companies.
- Federal prosecutors argue that the lawsuits would interfere with federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and foreign policy, citing constitutional and legal preemption concerns.
- The lawsuits follow President Trump's January executive order declaring a national energy emergency and directing federal action to protect domestic energy production.
- Michigan and Hawaii's planned lawsuits aim to hold oil companies accountable for climate harms, joining a broader wave of similar litigation by Democratic-led states and municipalities.
- The legal battle highlights partisan divisions over climate accountability, with the Trump administration defending the fossil fuel industry against state-level challenges.