NewsReutersMay 4, 2026United States
Trump Administration Blocks Minnesota's Climate Change Lawsuit Against Oil Companies
The Trump administration has intervened in a lawsuit filed by Minnesota against oil companies, arguing that the federal government, not states, has the authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Minnesota's Attorney General criticized the Justice Department's action, calling it a betrayal to the public in favor of 'Big Oil'. This move is part of a broader effort by the administration to roll back climate regulations.
Read the full story at ReutersWhy It Matters
This action by the federal government impacts how states can pursue legal action against corporations regarding environmental issues like climate change.
Key Facts
- The Trump administration, through the DOJ, is attempting to block Minnesota's lawsuit against oil companies over climate change deception.
- The DOJ argues that the federal government, not states, has the authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
- Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed the lawsuit in June 2020, accusing companies of consumer fraud and deceptive trade practices.
- At least 15 other states have filed similar lawsuits.
- The administration recently revoked a 2009 'endangerment finding' regarding greenhouse gases.
Who's Mentioned
datesix years agolocationMinneapolisdateJune 2020organizationKoch IndustrieslocationRhode IslandpersonKeith EllisonorganizationFlint Hills ResourcesorganizationU.S. Department of Justiceother15organizationAmerican Petroleum Institutedate2009dateMondaydateJanuarylocationMassachusettsorganizationExxonMobilpersonDonald TrumplocationMinnesotadateFebruarydateAprillocationNew York