US Supreme Court Declines Appeal in Youth-Led Climate Change Case

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

Justices turned away an appeal of a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling.

The U.S. Supreme Court on March 24 declined to hear an appeal in a lawsuit led by minors that alleged the U.S. government has unconstitutionally deprived the children of rights to life and liberty by causing climate change to worsen.

Justices in an unsigned decision denied certiorari to a petition from Kelsey Cascadia Rose Juliana and 20 other minors. No justices offered an explanation for the decision.

Plaintiffs sued the government in 2015, alleging that the U.S. government for decades “has known that carbon dioxide (‘CO2’) pollution from burning fossil fuels was causing global warming and dangerous climate change, and that continuing to burn fossil fuels would destabilize the climate system on which present and future generations of our nation depend for their wellbeing and survival.”

Actions taken despite that knowledge, including the approval of a liquid natural gas terminal in Oregon, endangered the youth, the suit said.

In a split decision, a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit panel decided in 2020 that the relief the plaintiffs sought, including an order mandating the government develop a plan to phase out fossil fuel emissions, “is beyond our constitutional power.” The court instructed U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken to dismiss the case.

Aiken declined, allowing plaintiffs to amend their complaint. In 2023, she ruled in favor of the minors, finding that plaintiffs had adequately alleged that their constitutional rights were being infringed by the government’s actions. “The judiciary is capable and duty-bound to provide redress for the irreparable harm government fossil fuel promotion has caused,” the judge said at the time.

The Ninth Circuit in 2024 again sided with the government, upholding the 2020 ruling and telling Aiken to dismiss the litigation.

Plaintiffs lodged a petition with the Supreme Court, asking justices to intervene. That led to Monday’s denial.

By Zachary Stieber

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Rosie O’Donnell vs. Her Therapist

Rosie O’Donnell's therapist attempted to artfully introduce to her client to the possibility that Rosie's outrage might be performative. It didn’t take.

Hamas’s Stubborn Grip on Arms Signals No Desire for Genuine Peace

Hamas’s rhetoric reflects its founding ideology, prioritizing armed resistance over civilian welfare or diplomatic progress.

Off the radar

In the longstanding and brutal ledger of religious persecution, Nigeria now occupies its own grim chapter with its enduring pogrom against Christians.

The New Jackboots? A Wake-Up Call on Antifa and Fascism

An analysis of whether Antifa truly opposes fascism by comparing its tactics and behavior to historical signs and movements of fascist regimes.

If Federal Food Assistance Programs End, Theft Begins

Many patriotic Americans well versed in American History have...

USDA Says SNAP Benefits Will Expire for 41 Million People If Shutdown Persists

More than 41 million Americans will go without food stamps next month if Congress does not vote to reopen the government in time.

Newsom Confirms He’s Considering 2028 Presidential Bid

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he will seriously consider a presidential campaign after the 2026 midterms are over.

‘Showing Up in Droves’—Gen Z Trades Graduation Caps for Hard Hats

The share of Generation Z workers in the construction labor force more than doubled between 2019 and 2023, according to a recent report.

Dallas Doctor Surrenders License After Texas AG Sues for Prescribing Gender Transition Drugs to Minors

Doctor surrendered her medical license following lawsuit by Texas AG Paxton, accusing her of illegally prescribing gender transition drugs to minors.

Trump Oversees Signing of Thailand–Cambodia Peace Deal

The president signed the peace treaty at a ceremony...

Trump Hikes Canada’s Tariffs by 10 Percent for Not Pulling Anti-Tariff Ad Immediately

Trump announced he will increase tariffs on Canada by 10% after ad by provincial government of Ontario misrepresented President Reagan’s speech on tariffs.

Trump Rolls Back Emissions Rules on Copper Smelters

President Trump issued a proclamation aimed at reversing a Biden-era environmental rule that enforced stricter air emission standards on copper smelters.

Donor Gives $130 Million to Cover Shortfall in Troop Pay During Shutdown

Trump announced on Oct. 23 that an anonymous donor sent $130M to cover military pay during the ongoing government shutdown.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central