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AG Nessel Moves to Dismiss DOJ Lawsuit Aimed at Blocking Potential Climate Action Against Fossil Fuel Industry

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel today filed a Motion to Dismiss a lawsuit filed by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) on April 30, 2025. The DOJ’s lawsuit seeks to prohibit the State of Michigan from filing any lawsuit against the fossil fuel industry related to climate impacts.   

“The DOJ’s baseless lawsuit is a blatant attempt to intimidate my office and deter us from holding Big Oil accountable,” Nessel said. “Any lawsuit we file against the fossil fuel industry is still in the development stage and entirely unknown to the administration, as their own filing admits, making this move not just premature but deficient. We will not be bullied, and I remain undeterred in my intent to pursue justice on behalf of Michigan residents.” 

The Attorney General’s motion and brief (PDF) filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan argues that the DOJ complaint is speculative and premature and should be dismissed for a lack of jurisdiction. Since no lawsuit has been filed by the State, DOJ’s complaint, Attorney General Nessel argues, is based on predictions and guesswork about what a hypothetical future case may or may not include.   

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