State attorneys general have a complex relationship with the federal government, including the Department of Justice, local U.S. Attorneys, and other federal agencies. In most cases, attorneys general cooperate with federal agencies to carry out federal policy but in some cases and in some states attorneys general attempt to either challenge or prompt federal action. This section analyzes this complex and changing relationship.

I. AGs In Opposition To The Federal Government

1. "States Sue Over Acid Rain,” U.P.I., March 20, 1984
2. "States Flex Prosecutorial Muscle: AG’s Move Into What Was Once Federal Territory," Brooke A. Masters, Washington Post, Wednesday, January 12, 2005, Page 2005, Page A1
3. Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency
4. Dylan Scott, "Why GOP Attorneys General Are Suing Obama Over Any And Everything," February 19, 2015, Talkingpointsmemo.com
5. Vivian Yee, “To combat Trump, Democrats Ready a G.O.P Tactic: Lawsuits,” New York Times, Dec. 14, 2016
6. Erik Larson, "Blue States Team Up to Defend Consumer Financial Protection Bureau," Bloomberg Politics, Jan. 23, 2017
7. Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, "Seventeen Attorneys General condemn un-American executive order, vow to protect individual freedoms from federal government"
8. Travis Gettys, “‘Saddle Up!’: Koch-backed GOP official and Bundy militants plan to challenge Obama’s monument designation,” Raw Story, Dec. 29, 2016

II. AGs In Cooperation With The Federal Government

1. Obama Preemption Order, The White House Office Of The Press Secretary May 20, 2009
2. Gara, Antoine, "Federal Judge Rules In Favor Of FTC Challenge To Sysco And US Foods Merger," Forbes, June 23, 2015
3. Justice Department and State Partners Secure $1.375 Billion Settlement with S&P for Defrauding Investors in the Lead Up to the Financial Crisis, Department of Justice (Press Release), February 3, 2015
4. "Moody's to pay $864 million for pre-2008 ratings deception," Deutsche Welle, Ja. 14, 2017