Advocacy News – Jan. 29, 2026
What happened: Last week, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a federal lawsuit against several oil companies and a national trade association (BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, and the American Petroleum Institute), invoking antitrust laws to advance broader energy and climate policy claims. According to the lawsuit, they acted as a “cartel” to hinder the development of electric vehicles and renewable energy, causing higher energy costs for consumers.
Why it matters: This lawsuit represents a significant escalation in the use of the Attorney General’s office to pursue political and policy objectives through litigation rather than through legislation or regulatory processes. By recasting complex energy and climate debates as antitrust violations, the action stretches competition law well beyond its traditional purpose.
- More broadly, this approach injects additional uncertainty into Michigan’s already tenuous business and legal climate. When state enforcement authority is used to target industries based on policy differences, it raises serious concerns and potential long-term implications.
What we’re saying: The Michigan Chamber is deeply concerned by the continued politicization of the Attorney General’s office and the growing reliance on litigation as a substitute for sound policymaking. This lawsuit reflects a troubling pattern of weaponizing state authority against Michigan employers rather than working collaboratively to address affordability and competitiveness challenges.
- Michigan residents and businesses need practical, durable solutions to energy costs and economic pressures — not headline-driven actions that have little to no legal basis, consuming taxpayer resources while doing little to deliver measurable relief.
The Chamber will continue to closely monitor this case and assess appropriate engagement as it proceeds.
For Qs or more information, contact Mike Alaimo.