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Michigan antitrust litigation against oil companies

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2026-09-23 20:43 UTC → 2026-09-27 00:34 UTC · added ~~removed~~

A U.S. District Judge dismissed an antitrust lawsuit filed by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel against several major oil companies, including BP, Chevron, Exxon, and Shell, as well as the American Petroleum Institute. The lawsuit alleged that these entities conspired to suppress competition from renewable energy and electric vehicles to maintain consumer reliance on fossil fuels. Judge Jane M. Beckering ruled on September 22 that Michigan lacks standing to pursue the claims under federal antitrust laws. The court found that the state failed to establish a sufficient link between the alleged conspiracy and energy overcharges, noting that the ~~companies’ actions did not proximately cause~~ ‘distance is too great between the ~~specific injuries cited.~~ alleged conspiracy’ and the alleged impact on energy prices. The ruling stated that the chain of causation contained several vaguely defined links, as factors such as market supply, demand, and technological developments also influence pricing. The Department of Justice supported the dismissal, suggesting that states should rethink using antitrust law to enact climate policy. This decision aligns with similar legal rejections of climate-related antitrust claims in states such as New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Michigan’s office stated it disagrees with the ruling and is currently reviewing its options.

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