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15h ago

Federal Judge Dismisses Youth Climate Case Over Trump Energy Orders

The ruling says the sweeping injunction sought falls outside judicial authority, leaving any remedy to the political branches.

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A court ruled that while youth plaintiffs had presented 'overwhelming' evidence the administration's actions would further destabilize the climate, their case 'must be made to the political branches or to the electorate'
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Overview

  • U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen dismissed Lighthiser v. Trump, finding the court lacks jurisdiction to grant the broad relief the youths requested.
  • Christensen wrote that plaintiffs presented overwhelming evidence of climate harms and that the challenged executive orders will raise atmospheric carbon dioxide.
  • He called the requested injunction unworkable because it would require monitoring an untold number of federal agency actions for compliance.
  • Citing the Ninth Circuit’s handling of Juliana v. United States, the judge said precedent compelled dismissal and directed plaintiffs to seek policy change through elections or Congress.
  • The 22 plaintiffs, represented by Our Children’s Trust, plan to appeal after a two-day hearing with youth testimony and expert witnesses, while DOJ and a coalition of states had urged dismissal.