Judge Dismisses Federal Suit to Block Hawaii's Fossil Fuel Lawsuits

The state can now move forward with legal action against major oil and gas companies over climate change impacts.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:09am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, nostalgic painting of an oil refinery or drilling rig in a coastal setting, with the structure bathed in warm, golden light and surrounded by deep shadows, conveying a sense of the environmental and legal battles surrounding the fossil fuel industry.A legal victory for Hawaii's climate change lawsuit against fossil fuel companies casts a long shadow over the state's energy landscape.Honolulu Today

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice that sought to prevent the state of Hawaii from suing private fossil fuel companies in state court over environmental harm and climate change impacts. The judge ruled that the DOJ's concerns were unfounded, clearing the way for Hawaii to proceed with its planned lawsuits against major oil and gas corporations.

Why it matters

This ruling is a significant victory for Hawaii, which has been at the forefront of efforts by states to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in driving climate change. The state alleges these companies engaged in deceptive marketing practices and is seeking damages to address the impacts of global warming, which threaten Hawaii's unique environment and economy.

The details

The DOJ had argued that Hawaii's planned lawsuits violated the Clean Air Act by attempting to regulate greenhouse gas emissions beyond the state's borders. However, the judge dismissed these concerns as hypothetical, ruling that Hawaii's complaints focus on the companies' alleged tortious and deceptive conduct rather than direct emissions regulation. With this legal hurdle cleared, the state legislature can now finalize a bill authorizing the lawsuits against fossil fuel entities.

  • On Wednesday, April 16, 2026, U.S. District Court Judge Helen Gillmore dismissed the DOJ's lawsuit with prejudice.
  • The Hawaii state legislature is currently considering Senate Bill 1166, which would allow the state and insurers to sue oil and gas corporations over climate change damages.

The players

Helen Gillmore

U.S. District Court Judge who dismissed the DOJ's lawsuit against Hawaii.

Josh Green

Governor of Hawaii, who would need to sign Senate Bill 1166 into law if it passes the legislature.

U.S. Department of Justice

The federal agency that sued Hawaii in an attempt to block the state's planned lawsuits against fossil fuel companies.

Hawaii State Legislature

The state government body considering Senate Bill 1166, which would authorize climate change-related lawsuits against oil and gas corporations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The DOJ's concerns about negative impacts on the government were unfounded because they were based on hypothetical allegations.”

— Helen Gillmore, U.S. District Court Judge

What’s next

If Senate Bill 1166 passes the Hawaii state legislature, it will then go to Governor Josh Green to be signed into law, clearing the way for the state to proceed with its planned lawsuits against fossil fuel companies.

The takeaway

This ruling represents a significant victory for Hawaii in its efforts to hold major oil and gas corporations accountable for their role in driving climate change and its impacts on the state. It demonstrates that states have the legal standing to pursue such lawsuits, despite federal government attempts to block them, and could embolden other states to take similar action.