Trump administration sues states for pursuing climate harm lawsuits

In a significant legal move, the U.S. Justice Department filed lawsuits against the states of Hawaii and Michigan on May 1, 2025. Both states had been preparing to take legal action against fossil fuel companies, alleging contributions to climate change and associated environmental damages. The Trump administration argues that these lawsuits are counterproductive and infringe upon federal authority over climate-related regulations, particularly under the Clean Air Act. The administration claims that allowing these state-level lawsuits would disrupt federal oversight of greenhouse gas emissions and encourage policies that threaten national energy security. The lawsuits against the fossil fuel industry by Michigan and Hawaii stem from claims that oil and gas companies have significantly contributed to severe weather events, which in turn have had detrimental economic impacts. These claims are coupled with a broader movement from various states seeking to challenge the fossil fuel industry's influence on climate change. The Trump administration has positioned itself as a staunch defender of the oil and gas sector, suggesting that state interventions undermining this industry present a threat to both the economy and national energy independence. The action taken by the Justice Department signals a willingness to intervene even in state litigation, a rare move highlighting the ongoing tension between state initiatives addressing climate change and the federal government's agenda promoting energy dominance. Leading the litigation efforts in Michigan is attorney general Dana Nessel, who has engaged private law firms to build a case against fossil fuel companies, pointing to direct impacts on her state’s environment and public welfare. For Hawaii, Governor Josh Green has reported intentions to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for climate-related damages, notably referring to the devastating Lahaina wildfire in 2023 as a consequence of larger climate issues. Both governors express their intent to seek accountability from companies responsible for emissions contributing to climate change. The legal actions initiated by the DOJ challenge the balance of climate action capability at the state level, while simultaneously promoting the administration's energy independence policies. As such, these developments raise significant questions about the ability of states to pursue climate justice in the face of federal opposition, and whether such legal battles will influence future energy and environmental policy debates across the country.