Federal judge in Oregon denies efforts to dismiss climate lawsuit filed by young people

A federal judge in Eugene, Oregon, has denied U.S. Department of Justice motions to dismiss a climate lawsuit brought by 21 youth plaintiffs. This could clear the way for the case to finally go to trial.

The lawsuit was filed in 2015 by young people ranging from age 8 to 19 years old. It alleges the federal government, through its policies and subsidies for fossil fuel companies, knowingly allows human-caused climate change. The plaintiffs argue climate change and the dangers it poses violate their constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property.