A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Trump Administration that aimed to prevent Michigan from pursuing state-law claims against fossil fuel companies over climate impacts. Judge Jane M. Beckering of the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan ruled that the court did not have subject matter jurisdiction, stating the dispute was not ready for adjudication and that the United States lacked standing to bring the case.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel had previously filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. In response to Saturday’s decision, Nessel said, “This lawsuit was a cynical attempt by the Trump Administration to intimidate my office into abandoning our responsibility to hold powerful corporations accountable for putting profits ahead of the health, safety, and energy affordability of Michiganders. I am relieved the Court saw through this and dismissed this frivolous case. My office will not be bullied, and we will continue to stand up for the people of Michigan, no matter how domineering the interests we face.”
Judge Beckering’s ruling also referenced previous public interest actions led by state attorneys general—including cases involving tobacco, opioids, lead paint, and earlier climate litigation—and emphasized states’ authority to litigate on behalf of public welfare even in areas with significant federal regulation.
Last week, Attorney General Nessel filed a separate federal antitrust lawsuit against BP, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Shell, and the American Petroleum Institute. The complaint alleges violations of several antitrust laws—specifically naming the Sherman Antitrust Act, Clayton Antitrust Act, and Michigan Antitrust Reform Act—and accuses these entities of acting as a cartel in an unlawful conspiracy designed to limit competition from renewable energy sources in order to maintain dominance in transportation energy markets.
The Michigan Department of Attorney General serves as both chief legal office and law enforcement entity for Michigan residents statewide according to its official website. The department is responsible for initiatives addressing community needs such as combating human trafficking and supporting crime victims while handling consumer complaints and issuing scam alerts as described on its site. Dana Nessel currently holds office as Michigan’s 54th attorney general according to official records.
