Michigan is suing several major oil companies and a top lobbying group, claiming they functioned like a cartel to hold back renewable energy and electric vehicles while hiding the dangers of climate change.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed the lawsuit, accusing the companies of violating antitrust laws - rules meant to ensure fair competition. The state argues this behavior drove up energy bills for residents and slowed the shift away from gas-powered cars. The lawsuit specifically targets BP, Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and the American Petroleum Institute (API).

In response, representatives from ExxonMobil and API dismissed the legal action, calling the claims baseless.