The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken legal action against four states—Hawaii, Michigan, New York, and Vermont—over what it describes as unconstitutional climate policies. These policies, according to the DOJ, threaten the country’s energy independence and national security.
This legal move follows President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14260, which aims to protect American energy from state laws that could hinder domestic energy production. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that these state laws are burdensome and ideologically driven, and they undermine the country’s ability to produce affordable energy.
The lawsuits target New York and Vermont specifically for their newly enacted "climate superfund" laws. These laws impose strict liability on fossil fuel companies for their alleged contributions to climate change, with New York seeking $75 billion in damages from energy firms. The DOJ argues that these state laws are preempted by the federal Clean Air Act and violate the Constitution.
Separate lawsuits were also filed against Hawaii and Michigan to prevent those states from pursuing legal action against fossil fuel companies in state courts for past climate harm. The DOJ claims that such litigation imposes unconstitutional burdens on energy producers and could harm the nation’s energy production capabilities.
Bondi emphasized that the DOJ’s actions are meant to protect Americans from state overreach that could threaten energy independence, which is vital for the nation’s security and economy. The DOJ is asking federal courts to declare the laws in question unconstitutional and to block their enforcement.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between state and federal regulations regarding energy and environmental policies. As the DOJ moves forward with these lawsuits, it remains to be seen how the courts will respond and what this means for the future of energy regulation in the United States.