President Trump has ordered the Justice Department to take legal action against states imposing fines on fossil fuel companies for greenhouse gas emissions.
He signed an executive order directing US Attorney Pam Bondi to identify state laws that may hinder oil and gas use. The order prioritizes challenging state climate change and environmental justice efforts. Oil executives raised concerns about state penalties, particularly in New York, during a White House meeting with Trump.
This reflects the industry’s influence over the administration, despite recent drops in crude prices due to global tariffs.The White House has yet to comment.Oil and gas companies often face fines and lawsuits from states aiming to reduce emissions and hold the industry accountable for its role in climate change.
Trump’s executive order specifically targets New York’s climate superfund law and California’s cap-and-trade system for review.”Directing the Department of Justice to address this state overreach will help restore the rule of law and prevent activist-driven efforts from blocking access to affordable, reliable energy,” said Ryan Meyers, senior VP and general counsel for the American Petroleum Institute.
