An Oregon judge recently rejected the U.S. Department of Justice’s appeal to dismiss a 2015 lawsuit filed by young individuals against the federal government. The lawsuit alleges that the government, despite knowing the risks of carbon pollution, continued to support the fossil fuel industry.
U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken stated that the climate crisis poses a severe threat to human survival on Earth and requires immediate action. The judge expressed sympathy towards the despair of young people over the slow bureaucratic response to the climate crisis.
The group of young plaintiffs argue that the federal government has violated their constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property by not acting against climate change. They are represented by attorney Julia Olson, who expects a trial to take place later this year.
Interestingly, this Oregon case mirrors a related case in Montana last year, where the plaintiffs argued that their state constitutional right to a clean environment was violated. A judge ruled in their favor, stating that the Montana Environmental Policy Act infringes on the plaintiffs’ right to a clean environment. However, this decision has been appealed by the state’s attorney general and is currently under review.
These cases represent a growing trend of young individuals taking legal action against governmental bodies for their perceived lack of action on climate change. As the climate crisis escalates, these lawsuits underscore the urgent need for immediate and effective policy action. Only time will tell how these lawsuits will influence the future of environmental policy in the United States.
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