Nearly two years after announcing her intent to sue American energy companies over climate deception, outgoing Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed her long-anticipated lawsuit today – the latest development in a decade-long national litigation campaign that has struggled to gain traction.  

After more than ten years of setbacks for climate lawsuits based on public nuisance and consumer deception claims, Nessel’s case attempts to put new wrapping on a broken toy by alleging companies conspired to suppress competition and stall alternative energy development. 

Despite the new legal theory, this approach contains the same fundamental flaws as previous climate cases. A careful review reveals the allegations appear designed more for political optics than legal success – particularly given that Nessel is term-limited and will leave office at year’s end.  

Read the full piece at EIDClimate.org.