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Justice Department Files Unprecedented Lawsuits Against Hawaii and Michigan Over Climate Action

The U.S. DOJ has filed lawsuits against Hawaii and Michigan to block state lawsuits against fossil fuel companies, claiming a conflict with federal authority.

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  1. Justice department sues Michigan and Hawaii over climate suits against big oil

    The suits, which legal experts say are unprecedented, mark the latest of the Trump administration’s attacks on environmental work and raise concern over states’ abilities to retain the power to take climate action without federal opposition.

    Justice department sues Michigan and Hawaii over climate suits against big oil

    The GuardianThe Guardian·15d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  3. DOJ Sues 4 States Over Climate Actions

    The suits are aligned with President Donald Trump's executive order "Protecting American Energy From State Overreach."

    DOJ Sues 4 States Over Climate Actions

    NewsmaxNewsmax·15d
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
    ·
    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  1. The Guardian
  2. Boston Herald
  3. Newsmax
Updated: May 1st, 2025, 6:32 PM ET

Summary

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The U.S. Department of Justice has filed lawsuits against Hawaii and Michigan to prevent them from suing fossil fuel companies for climate damages, asserting that such state actions infringe upon federal authority. According to the DOJ, these lawsuits violate the Clean Air Act, which grants the federal government the exclusive power to regulate greenhouse gases. The move has generated significant debate among legal experts, who describe it as an unprecedented act that threatens states' capacities to address climate issues and supports the interests of the fossil fuel industry.

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