The U.S. Department of Justice announced it has filed lawsuits against the states of Michigan, New York, Hawaii, and Vermont in an attempt to prevent them from pursuing legal action against fossil fuel companies over their alleged contributions to climate change.

According to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, the state-level lawsuits represent a dangerous overreach that could undermine national priorities. “These burdensome and ideologically motivated laws and lawsuits threaten American energy independence and our country's economic and national security,” Bondi said in a statement. The lawsuits argue that such actions interfere with federal authority and violate the constitutional structure of governance.

The legal filings claim that state-led litigation against energy companies disrupts uniform national energy policy and imposes unjust burdens on a critical industry. The DOJ asserts that the Constitution and federal law do not permit states to regulate global emissions through localized litigation.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel responded strongly to the move, accusing President Donald Trump of capitulating to fossil fuel industry interests. “Donald Trump has made clear he will answer any and every beck and call from his Big Oil campaign donors, but this latest favor is perhaps the most surprising debasement of both the White House and DOJ yet,” Nessel stated.

The dispute reflects growing tensions between state governments seeking accountability for climate-related damages and a federal administration focused on energy sector protection. The lawsuits filed by the DOJ could set a significant legal precedent regarding the limits of state authority in environmental enforcement and corporate accountability.

Legal analysts anticipate a contentious judicial process as the case moves forward, with broad implications for the balance of power between federal and state governments in climate litigation.