Appeals court gives green light to ‘climate kids’ lawsuit

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has given the green light to a lawsuit filed by young activists who say the federal government is failing to protect them from climate change.

A three-judge panel on Wednesday rejected the government’s request for an order directing a district court to dismiss the case. A federal judge in Oregon previously denied a motion to throw it out.

The lawsuit brought by 21 children and young adults asserts the government has known for decades that carbon pollution causes climate change but has failed to curb greenhouse gas emissions. They seek various environmental remedies.

Julia Olson, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said in a statement that the group will seek a trial date for later this year, “where we will put the federal government’s dangerous energy system and climate policies on trial.”