A federal appeals court is weighing in on an unusual lawsuit by a group of young people who say the Trump administration is violating their constitutional rights by failing to address climate change.
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments Monday from attorneys for the administration and the 21 young people, who range in age from 10 to 21.
The Trump administration wants the 9th Circuit to order a lower court to dismiss the suit, saying it is broad and without merit.
The San Jose Mercury News reports that two of the judges voiced skepticism about the administration’s request.
The lawsuit was originally filed against the Obama administration in 2015.
At 9th Circuit Court of Appeals #SF, arguments underway right now in lawsuit filed by the ‘kids’- plaintiffs btwn. ages of 9 and 20- that fed. govt. violating their constitutional rights & public trust by failing to act on #climatechange. Lawsuit predates @realDonaldTrump (2015) pic.twitter.com/Kz0Y2RUXKR
— Sam Brock (@SamNBCBayArea) December 11, 2017
U.S. & World
News from around the country and around the globe
When the standard bearers for keeping govt. accountable on climate change are still in grade school. Historic case against feds marches forward in 9th Circuit. #youthvgov crowd approaching a couple hundred pic.twitter.com/gXIfgtX0fU
— Sam Brock (@SamNBCBayArea) December 11, 2017
“This lawsuit is an action of us, young people, reclaiming our democracy.” 17-year-old lawsuit plaintiff says he’s been fighting for climate justice for the last 11 yrs. 9th Circuit considering landmark case today against fed. govt. for inaction pic.twitter.com/0Hk6AkeHKq
— Sam Brock (@SamNBCBayArea) December 11, 2017