Overview

• An Oregon judge has rejected a U.S. Department of Justice request to dismiss a 2015 lawsuit filed by young people alleging government negligence in addressing pollution.
• The lawsuit alleges that the federal government was aware of the dangers of carbon pollution but continued to support the fossil fuel industry.
• The plaintiffs argue that the government violated young people’s constitutional rights to life, liberty and property.
• U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken stated that the climate crisis threatens our ability to survive on planet Earth and compels urgent action.
• A similar lawsuit in Montana last year resulted in a ruling that the Montana Environmental Policy Act violates the plaintiffs’ state constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment.