DOJ takes aim at four blue states over ‘unconstitutional’ climate policies
The Justice Department (DOJ) has taken a bold step by filing lawsuits against four Democrat-led states: Hawaii, Michigan, New York, and Vermont. These lawsuits are in response to what the DOJ deems as unconstitutional climate policies that pose a threat to U.S. energy independence and national security.
This action follows President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14260, Protecting American Energy from State Overreach, which directs federal intervention against state laws that hinder domestic energy development. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the importance of combating these laws, stating that they are burdensome and ideologically driven, ultimately jeopardizing American energy independence and the country’s economic and national security.
The DOJ has filed complaints against New York and Vermont over recently enacted “climate superfund” laws, which hold fossil fuel companies strictly liable for their purported contributions to climate change. New York’s law, in particular, seeks a staggering $75 billion in damages from energy firms. The DOJ argues that these laws are preempted by the federal Clean Air Act, violate the Constitution, and encroach upon federal foreign affairs powers.
In a separate move, lawsuits were also filed against Hawaii and Michigan to block them from suing fossil fuel companies in state court over past climate damages. The DOJ contends that such litigation by these states would impose unconstitutional burdens on energy producers. Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson emphasized that when states overstep their constitutional or statutory authority in regulating energy, they not only hinder the country’s energy production but also inadvertently assist its adversaries.
The Justice Department is seeking federal court intervention to declare the laws in these four states unconstitutional and to prevent their enforcement. By taking this action, the DOJ aims to protect Americans from what it perceives as unlawful state overreach that could jeopardize the critical energy independence necessary for the well-being and security of all Americans.
It is important to note that the DOJ did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on these lawsuits. This development underscores the ongoing legal battle between federal and state authorities over climate policies and energy regulations.
The author of this article, Jasmine, is a writer at Fox News Digital and a military spouse based in New Orleans. For any story submissions or inquiries, she can be reached at jasmine.baehr@fox.com.
