Nessel’s fossil fuel lawsuit would ruin Michigan
In a shortsighted and damaging decision, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced that she plans to sue the fossil fuel industry for its alleged contribution to climate change.
Nessel has chosen a huge fight in a state whose foundation is, and continues to be, the automobile and heavy industry.
Such an effort does not serve the public interest.
The attorney general argues that the oil and gas industry profited while knowingly selling products that harmed the climate, environment, infrastructure and people’s health. She is mimicking what other cities and states across the U.S. have done, arguing a range of damages, from securities fraud to harassment, negligence and tort.
The long-term impact of such a move on Michigan’s economy would be extremely damaging.
Michigan’s hospitals, nursing homes, schools, homes and businesses rely on the energy infrastructure that the oil and gas industry has built. So does the high-skill, knowledge-based economy that the Whitmer administration has touted as critical to our future.
It is irresponsible to misuse taxpayers’ money to launch a campaign on the politically popular issue of climate change.
Such a misvaluation of one of the most important elements of the state’s infrastructure and economic growth massively underestimates the benefits that affordable and reliable electricity has brought to Michigan.
Other states have primarily targeted large corporations such as BP, ExxonMobil and Shell.
Nessel said Michigan is unlikely to target the same companies, but will target utilities and other industries linked to climate-changing pollution.
The threat made by Nessel is extremely promising for trial lawyers, as they are likely to benefit financially from the contingency fee structure of the trial.
But wasting taxpayer money on such a frivolous and harmful endeavor is reckless – especially given that courts have already questioned the logic and legitimacy of lawsuits seeking to arbitrarily discriminate on climate change.
One example is Vermont, which in May became the first state to require fossil fuel companies to pay for climate damages. The state’s treasurer was required to submit a report by January 2026 on the cost of greenhouse gas emissions to Vermonters over the past two decades – with an analysis of the impacts on public health, agriculture, housing and other sectors.
There is no industry in Michigan that would not be affected by such a ruling.
The Whitmer administration and the Democrats emphasize the need to preserve and create jobs in Michigan and promise to subsidize numerous projects and initiatives that will contribute to the state’s economic development.
Michigan will not win the battle for top talent, nationally or globally, if it tries to destroy the very companies and jobs it claims to want.
Nessel’s campaign is out of touch with reality and what keeps Michigan’s homes, schools and businesses running – and it has no connection to what the people and industry here really need.
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