Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has once again chose corporate interests over Kansans. This time, his decision to quietly drop the state’s lawsuit against energy giant Macquarie Energy LLC raises questions about who he’s really working for.
The lawsuit, initially filed under former Attorney General Derek Schmidt and later refiled by Kobach himself, accused Macquarie of manipulating natural gas prices during the brutal Winter Storm Uri in 2021. The alleged market manipulation contributed to staggering energy costs for consumers across Kansas, including Topeka residents who saw their utility bills skyrocket. By pushing up benchmark prices, the lawsuit argued, Macquarie pocketed massive profits while leaving everyday Kansans to foot the bill.
And yet, despite these serious allegations, Kobach dismissed the case—with prejudice—meaning the state cannot refile. Instead of pursuing accountability, Macquarie will simply make a $400,000 donation to the Salvation Army—a small fraction of the estimated $50 million Kansas consumers were allegedly overcharged.
Macquarie, of course, denies any wrongdoing. That’s to be expected. But what’s less expected is why Kobach, who campaigned as a champion of the people, would suddenly let them off the hook. Kansans have a right to ask: Why did he back down? Was the case truly unwinnable, or was this yet another instance of Kansas leadership rolling over for corporate power?
This isn’t the first time Kobach has thrown his support behind big business at the expense of regular people. Whether it’s standing against federal regulations that would protect consumers or prioritizing corporate lawsuits over public interest cases, his track record is clear. The question is—how much more will Kansans tolerate before demanding better?
For now, Topeka residents and others across the state are left with inflated bills and no recourse. The storm may have passed, but its financial impact—and the failure of leadership to stand up for the people—lingers on.
