Michigan AG to Sue Oil Companies for Environmental Damages

News Summary

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is set to file lawsuits against major oil companies in May 2024, aiming to hold them accountable for environmental harm caused by fuel consumption. This initiative targets gas station chains and highlights concerns over climate change impacts on Michigan’s ecosystem. Nessel’s strategy follows past litigation experiences and is part of a broader movement towards corporate accountability in environmental issues. The Attorney General’s office also continues litigation against Enbridge regarding the Line 5 oil pipeline, reflecting ongoing environmental concerns in the state.

Detroit, Michigan – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced her plan to file lawsuits against local oil companies in May 2024, aiming to hold them accountable for environmental damage attributed to fuel usage. This initiative, which will involve third-party attorneys, is expected to target several leading gas station chains including Speedway, Phillips 66, Shell, Marathon, and Exxon-Mobil.

Nessel’s position arises from evidence suggesting that daily activities, such as fueling vehicles and utilizing heating systems, significantly contribute to environmental degradation. She linked these actions to broader issues of climate change, noting the observable impacts on Michigan’s landscape, such as reduced ski seasons and altered blooming periods for local flora.

According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, various cities in Michigan hold a significant number of registered gas stations, with 38 located in Ann Arbor, 83 in Grand Rapids, and 348 in Detroit. The Attorney General’s assertions suggest that these operations are jeopardizing the state’s natural resources and identity, which is encapsulated in its “Pure Michigan” reputation.

In her statements, Nessel highlighted the increasing frequency of severe weather incidents, warning of potential risks to Michigan’s economic sector, agricultural businesses, and overall way of life. The concern over climate change is becoming a rising topic on both local and national stages, influencing the approach to environmental protection and accountability.

Nessel’s approach is not unprecedented; her office previously targeted pharmaceutical companies by employing regulations typically reserved for combating drug dealing. This legal precedent may frame her forthcoming actions against oil companies under a broader context of corporate accountability in environmental matters.

The Michigan Attorney General’s office currently operates a fleet comprising 77 vehicles, inclusive of 45 SUVs, 29 coupes or sedans, and 3 vans, with the total operational vehicles ranging from model years 2014 to 2024. The Michigan state government is concurrently pursuing a transition to a more eco-friendly vehicle fleet, with Governor Gretchen Whitmer aiming to convert 14,000 state vehicles to electric by the years 2033-2040. However, as of now, fewer than 1% of these vehicles have been switched, leaving the fleet with only 29 electric models.

A recent legal decision in South Carolina may cast a shadow over Nessel’s planned lawsuits. A judge dismissed a similar lawsuit from Charleston aimed at holding energy companies liable for the impacts of climate change on weather events. This ruling could set a precedent that complicates efforts for municipalities seeking to litigate against energy corporations based solely on climate-related damages.

As Nessel prepares for these legal battles, her office remains focused on additional litigation against Enbridge, specifically concerning the Line 5 oil pipeline that runs beneath the Straits of Mackinac. The state maintains that the existing easement, established in 1953, is invalid and violates environmental laws and principles of public trust. Enbridge counters that the safety of its pipeline operations falls under federal jurisdiction and contests the state’s authority over its regulatory decisions.

Michigan’s concerns regarding Enbridge’s aging pipeline center around potential environmental risks linked to its operation under the Great Lakes, a critical freshwater resource. The state argues that these risks merit reevaluation and highlights the need for stricter oversight of such essential infrastructure to safeguard Michigan’s environment for future generations.

As the situation develops, the legal landscape regarding environmental accountability in Michigan is poised for significant changes, with Nessel’s upcoming lawsuits indicative of a growing trend to hold corporations responsible for their environmental impact.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Michigan Capitol Confidential
• Wikipedia: Climate change in Michigan
• MLive
• Google Search: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel
• Michigan Advance
• Google Scholar: oil spills Michigan
• Detroit News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Oil spill
• WLIX
• Google News: Enbridge Line 5