constitutional rights
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Young Alaskans file lawsuit to halt massive gas export project
Eight Alaskan youths are suing the state over a $38.7 billion gas export project, arguing it violates their constitutional rights by exacerbating climate change.
In short:
- The Alaska LNG Project includes a gas treatment plant, an 800-mile pipeline, and a liquefaction plant, which will significantly increase the state's greenhouse gas emissions.
- Plaintiffs, aged 11 to 22, claim the project infringes on their rights to natural resources and protection from government overreach, as stated in the Alaska constitution.
- The lawsuit, filed by Our Children’s Trust, aims to prevent the state from proceeding with the project and establish a legal precedent for climate justice.
Key quote:
“The acceleration of climate change that this project will bring will affect what the land provides and brings to my culture.”
— Summer Sagoonick, lead plaintiff in the case and a member the Iñupiaq tribe
Why this matters:
This case illustrates the legal battles young people are waging to protect their future from the impacts of climate change. The outcome could set a significant precedent for environmental justice and state responsibility.
Be sure to read EHN’s related coverage:
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/blm_mtdks/Flickr/Public Domain
State, plaintiffs deliver closing remarks in landmark Montana youth climate change trial
An attorney for the 16 Montana youth who sued the state alleging their constitutional rights to a clean and healthful environment have been violated by the state said in their closing trial arguments Tuesday the state had not shown any compelling state interest as to why it should be allowed to continue ignoring greenhouse gas emissions from energy projects moving forward.
www.theatlantic.com
Read the fiery dissent in the children's climate case
Twenty-one children brought a lawsuit arguing that the government needs to act on climate change. A federal court dismissed it.
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