Trump DOJ scores win for energy consumers in federal court
A federal judge appointed by former President Barack Obama handed the Trump Justice Department a major victory over New York Democrats this week that is probably a preview of yet another victory when Boulder County, Colorado, faces producers in the Supreme Court this fall.
TL;DR
- A federal judge appointed by Barack Obama ruled against New York's Climate Change Superfund Act.
- The act, signed in December 2024, would have forced fossil-fuel companies to pay $75 billion over 25 years.
- Payments were to be based on global greenhouse-gas emissions attributed to company products.
- Revenue was intended to fund infrastructure projects for climate change adaptation.
- The law is described as a punitive tax and a revenue grab, with costs likely passed to consumers.
- This ruling is considered a victory for the Trump Justice Department and may foreshadow outcomes in similar cases, such as one involving Boulder County, Colorado.