Following the California Way, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has retained three private law firms known for their activist litigation to sue oil and gas companies for allegedly contributing to climate change.
According to Nessel's office, these firms – Sher Edling LLP, DiCello Levitt LLP, and Hausfeld LLP – will act as special assistant attorneys general.
Danny Wimmer, Nessel’s press secretary, confirmed the appointment in an email to Michigan Capitol Confidential: “The team made up of Sher Edling LLP, DiCello Levitt LLP, and Hausfeld LLP brings an exceptional mix of skilled attorneys with experience in representing public entities in specialized litigation involving environmental issues and industry deception.”
The firms will be compensated based on the successful recovery of funds, with seventeen attorneys signing the contract.
Sher Edling LLP, based in San Francisco, has drawn attention for its lawsuits against oil companies. According to the firm’s website, it seeks to hold polluters accountable for deceiving the public about climate change and contaminating drinking water. However, the firm has faced congressional scrutiny for receiving millions in funding from activist groups.
A congressional memo revealed that Sher Edling received over $5.2 million from the Resources Legacy Fund between 2017 and 2021, with $2.4 million in 2020 alone. The New Venture Fund also gave Sher Edling $3 million in 2021, fueling concerns about using “dark money” in climate litigation.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability noted that Sher Edling has filed more than 20 lawsuits aimed at what it describes as “climate deception.” These lawsuits have been criticized as attempts to push climate policy through the courts under the guise of nuisance claims traditionally used for local disputes.
These lawsuits seem to reflect a broader agenda to undermine the fossil fuel industry with the backing of wealthy donors and activist funds.
Congressional Letter: Congressional Report: https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/2781AC16-2206-49C7-85BE-D74B27306929