“Most Important Lawsuit on the Planet” in Federal Court

By Our Children’s Trust

“[This is] the most important lawsuit on the planet right now.” – Bill McKibben & Naomi Klein

21 young people from across the United States have filed a landmark constitutional climate change lawsuit against the federal government in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. Also acting as a Plaintiff is world-renowned climate scientist Dr. James E. Hansen, serving as guardian for future generations and his granddaughter. The complaint asserts that, in causing climate change, the federal government has violated the youngest generation’s constitutional rights to life, liberty, property, as well as failed to protect essential public trust resources.

On April 8, 2016, U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Coffin of the federal District Court in Eugene, OR, ruled in favor of 21 young Plaintiffs in their landmark constitutional climate change case brought against the federal government and the fossil fuel industry. The court’s ruling is a major victory for the plaintiffs, ages 8-19, from across the U.S. This ruling is now under review by U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken, with oral arguments scheduled for September 13, 2016, after which the case will either proceed toward trial or to appeal.

*Click here for timeline of the Alec L. v. McCarthy lawsuit we filed in 2011.Φ

Our Children’s Trust elevates the voice of youth to secure the legal right to a stable climate and healthy atmosphere for the benefit of all present and future generations. Through our programs, youth participate in advocacy, public education and civic engagement to ensure the viability of all natural systems in accordance with science. For more on Our Children’s Trust, click here.

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