Michigan Sues Big Oil For Antitrust Violations - CleanTechnica

On January 30, 2026, Michigan filed a lawsuit against major fossil fuel companies—including ExxonMobil, BP, Chevron, and Shell—and the American Petroleum Institute, accusing them of antitrust violations. Unlike previous climate-related lawsuits focused on environmental harm, Michigan’s suit alleges these companies conspired as a cartel to suppress renewable energy production and electric vehicle adoption. The complaint details coordinated actions such as abandoning renewable projects, using patent litigation to hinder competitors, suppressing information about fossil fuel costs and alternatives, and manipulating market investments to maintain fossil fuel dominance and inflate prices. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel framed the lawsuit as a response to an energy affordability crisis, blaming these corporations for prioritizing profits over consumer savings and competition. The suit argues that inflated prices for electric vehicles and renewable energy options result from this collusion, rather than natural economic factors. Fossil fuel companies have dismissed the allegations as baseless and legally incoherent, noting similar lawsuits have been rejected in other states and emphasizing Michigan’s economic reliance