Youths seek trial of US govt. in Eugene climate case

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – A potential landmark lawsuit filed on behalf of a group of youths in Eugene claims the plaintiffs’ rights have been violated by federal government actions that contribute to climate change.

The Register-Guard reports attorneys for the youths, known as the Climate Kids, filed suit against the government in 2015. For now, a trial in the case is scheduled to begin in October in Eugene.

But U.S. Solicitor General Noel Francisco on Tuesday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to suspend proceedings until a federal appeals court can rule on a separate request the government has made to dismiss the lawsuit.

The plaintiffs’ attorney, Julia Olson, said Wednesday that Justice Anthony Kennedy has given the plaintiffs a Monday morning deadline to respond to the request.

The plaintiffs include 21 youths ages 11 to 22, along with climate scientist James Hanson.

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Information from: The Register-Guard, http://www.registerguard.com