We all know that this suit, like almost all the others, are really being done by the adults, using kids as human shields
Kids’ climate change lawsuit tossed by Virginia judge
A Virginia state judge has tossed a lawsuit filed on behalf of 13 young people who claim a state law that promotes fossil fuel development violates their constitutional rights, finding the government is immune to the kinds of arguments made by the kids.
Judge Clarence Jenkins Jr on Friday rejected the lawsuit, which was filed earlier this year by Our Children’s Trust (OCT), a nonprofit law firm that advocates on environmental issues.
The kids, ranging in age from 10 to 19, claimed a law that directs the state to maximize exploration and development of coal, oil and gas resources violates their constitutional right to life and liberty. The youth argued the policies result in increasing greenhouse gases, which hasten climate change and put their future and wellbeing at risk.
Jenkins said the state can’t face those claims in its own court system since state law shields the government from lawsuits alleging harms.
Too bad the judge couldn’t just say “this is very silly, it doesn’t violate your right to life and liberty.”
The plaintiffs said they will appeal. Nate Bellinger, an attorney at OCT representing the young people, said the judge’s decision could have serious consequences for any plaintiff challenging government policy.
The state policies are “doubling down, maximizing fossil fuels in the midst of this climate crisis,” he said.
The judge should have asked the kids if they’ve given up their own use of fossil fuels and made their lives carbon neutral
The suit is one of five pending cases filed by OCT for youth plaintiffs against state governments across the country, arguing policies promoting fossil fuel development violate their constitutional rights. A case filed in Montana is set to become the first to go to trial next summer.
So, basically astroturfed, finding a bunch of young dupes.
