Groups of young people who have been and will be harmed by the effects of climate change have filed suits against both the state and Federal governments in many courts, asking that the courts order action to stop harmful emissions of greenhouse gases. CELP is involved in two of these. In Aji P. et al. v. Washington, the youth plaintiffs are Washington residents who are asking that the State be ordered to act to reduce greenhouse emissions. CELP filed an amicus brief on behalf of itself and a coalition of 10 other environmental groups, explaining to the Court the importance of a stable and healthful climate to the American concepts of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The case is currently before Division 1 of the Washington Court of Appeals, awaiting a hearing date.
Staff attorney Dan Von Seggern has also taken over as counsel for an amicus curiae group of history professors in Juliana et al. v. United States, a suit whose plaintiffs are asking for action at the Federal level to stop greenhouse emissions. Juliana is currently before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.