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Youth Climate Lawsuit Could Go To Trial This Summer

Rachael McDonald

The lawsuit brought by 21 youth plaintiffs against the federal government over climate change could go to trial this summer. [Today,] Tuesday, Eugene Federal Magistrate Judge Thomas Coffin met with attorneys in a pre-trial conference. The courtroom was packed with local climate activists.

The lawsuit holds the government responsible for human caused climate change and asks for remedy. Attorneys for the government have acknowledged the reality of climate change; still they’re fighting the lawsuit. After the meeting, plaintiffs’ Attorney Julia Olson said while it’s unclear how a Trump administration affects this case…
Olson: “I think it’s really a sad state when The Department of Justice, which is supposed to work on behalf of the American People, is, right now, focused on winning the case. Bringing in experts to dispute facts that maybe the government knows are true, and the judge was really clear that, don’t fight this just to fight it.”
Attorneys for defendants told Judge Coffin they need more time to prepare for the case. But plaintiffs say time is the enemy because the climate situation keeps getting worse. The defendant’s attorney says they’re still seeking a way to appeal Coffin’s denial of their motion to dismiss the case. Petroleum industry groups have intervened in the case on behalf of the defendants. 

 

Rachael McDonald is KLCC’s host for All Things Considered on weekday afternoons. She also is the editor of the KLCC Extra, the daily digital newspaper. Rachael has a BA in English from the University of Oregon. She started out in public radio as a newsroom volunteer at KLCC in 2000.
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