The Trump administration is suing state plans to Michigan and Hawaii for oil companies to raise their alleged role in causing global warming and environmental damage. [emphasis, links added]
Federal prosecutors said in a complaint filed late Wednesday that the two states’ planned actions against the oil and gas industry will directly resist the Trump administration’s efforts to promote domestic energy production, enforce federal emissions laws and conduct diplomatic affairs.
The state’s lawsuit refers to blaming oil companies for weather-related damages that could weaken and bankrupt the companies, posing an existential threat to the industry.
The unexpected complaints clearly show that the Trump administration is ready to do its best in defending the U.S. oil and gas industry, even if it means interfering in state-level litigation.
It also opens up the possibility of government intervention in a climate-like lawsuit, which has been filed by several states and dozens of local governments across the country.
The complaints also appear to be a direct response to President Donald Trump’s executive order last month, directing Attorney General Pam Bundy to immediately identify “causes of action, policies and practices” at the state level that puts burdens on domestic energy production, or possibly unconstitutional.
“The United States is facing an energy crisis. Excessively restrictive policies and regulations have led to insufficient development of the United States' abundant energy resources,” the complaint said.
“The American people pay more for energy due to the restrictions and burdens of energy production by the state, while the United States is less able to defend itself from hostile foreign actors.”
“When the country should contribute to the national efforts to ensure reliable domestic energy sources, [Michigan and Hawaii are] Select Obstacle. The constitution and laws of this country do not tolerate such interventions.” It continues.
The issue dates back to May 2024, when Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that she would solicit bids from lawyers and law firms that could assist the state in filing lawsuits related to the impact of climate change caused by the fossil fuel industry.
“Effects are rising. These effects are threatening not only our way of life, but our economy,” she said.
Earlier this week, Hawaii Governor Josh Green (D.according to local news media Khon-TV.
Green didn't say whether he would hire outside help, but Nessel's office announced in October that it hired three law firms led by California's Sher Edling to lead the efforts of its own country.
Sher Edling's involvement is striking because it has been involved in similar lawsuits filed in nine other Democratic states, multiple cities and counties, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, which are entirely home to more than 25% of Americans.
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