US courts rule on oil antitrust lawsuit and EPA solar program

A US District Judge has dismissed an antitrust lawsuit filed by Michigan against several major oil companies, including BP, Chevron, Exxon, and Shell. The lawsuit, initiated by Attorney General Dana Nessel, alleged that these companies colluded to stifle competition in the renewable energy sector and the development of electric vehicles.

Judge Jane Beckering ruled that the companies' alleged conspiracy did not proximately cause the energy overcharges Michigan sought to remedy, noting that antitrust laws did not protect against the specific injuries cited in the complaint. This dismissal aligns with several other similar climate-related antitrust cases rejected in states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

In a separate legal development, a federal judge ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acted unlawfully when it canceled the $7 billion ‘Solar for All’ program. The program, established under the Inflation Reduction Act, was designed to expand residential solar access and lower electricity costs for low-income and disadvantaged communities.

U.S. District Judge Mary S. McElroy determined that the agency acted contrary to congressional intent by rescinding the grants. The ruling orders the termination of the cancellation, effectively reinstating the nationwide initiative that provides financial assistance for rooftop solar, community solar, and battery storage systems.