Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), challenging several California laws and policies related to energy regulation. The submission comes in response to a DOJ request for information on state laws that may negatively impact interstate commerce and the national economy.
Attorney General Uthmeier stated, “California does not have the authority to dictate America’s energy future. Florida is urging the Department of Justice to put an end to these unlawful policies that drive up consumer costs, destroy American jobs, and weaken national security. Only then can our nation achieve the energy dominance President Trump has called for.”
The comments from Florida argue that certain California initiatives unlawfully interfere with interstate commerce, conflict with federal statutes such as the Clean Air Act, and disrupt the balance of power between state and federal governments.
According to Florida’s filing, California has enacted or proposed several measures:
– Emissions-disclosure mandates that extend beyond state borders and create compliance costs for businesses nationwide.
– State and municipal lawsuits seeking large sums in retroactive damages for lawful energy production.
– Efforts to ban gas-powered vehicles and heavy-duty trucks despite Congress repealing California’s waiver under the Clean Air Act.
– A proposed “climate superfund” aimed at penalizing traditional-fuel producers retroactively.
Attorney General Uthmeier is urging the DOJ to intervene against what he describes as California’s overreach, emphasizing that states should not be able to impose regulations outside their borders or influence national energy policy.
A copy of Florida’s comments can be downloaded online.
