U.S. Justice Department Welcomes Dismissal of Michigan Oil Antitrust Suit

The U.S. Justice Department on September 23 welcomed a federal court’s dismissal of Michigan’s antitrust lawsuit against BP, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Shell and the American Petroleum Institute. Attorney General Dana Nessel’s January complaint alleged that the defendants suppressed renewable-energy competition, increasing costs for Michigan consumers. The department said the September 22 decision underscored that state plaintiffs must establish antitrust standing. Federal lawyers had filed a statement of interest addressing legal limits on Michigan’s claims. Justice Department officials said antitrust law protects competition and consumers, and criticized using it to pursue climate-policy goals.