LANSING ? Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the Department will begin seeking proposals from attorneys and law firms to serve as Special Assistant Attorneys General to pursue litigation related to the climate change impacts caused by the fossil fuel industry on behalf of the State of Michigan.?

?Our ?Pure Michigan? identity is under threat from the effects of climate change,? Nessel said. ?Warmer temperatures are shrinking ski seasons in the UP and disrupting the wonderful blooms of Holland?s Tulip Time Festival. Severe weather events are on the rise. These impacts threaten not only our way of life but also our economy and pose long-term risks to Michigan?s thriving agribusiness. The fossil fuel industry, despite knowing about these consequences, prioritized profits over people and the environment. Pursuing this litigation will allow us to recoup our costs and hold those responsible for jeopardizing Michigan?s economic future and way of life accountable.??

The Department is seeking proposals from attorneys and law firms with experience and interest in pursuing constitutional, statutory, tort and other applicable common law claims against the fossil fuel industry.?

Proposals will be accepted through a blind-bid process, with contracts being awarded based on the best value to the State, considering qualifications, experience, abilities, capacity, and cost-effectiveness. The Attorney General will make the final decision based on recommendations from Department staff, ensuring an objective selection process that maintains bidder anonymity.??

The Department will post a notice of award on its website after the selection has been made. Selected attorneys and law firms will be compensated on a contingency fee basis.??

Attorneys and law firms interested in submitting proposals can visit the Attorney General?s website for more information. The deadline to submit a proposal is June 5th.?

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