Last Wednesday, attorneys representing seven brave youth in Natalie R. v. State of Utah presented oral arguments before the Utah Supreme Court.
Filed in March of 2022, Natalie R. challenges state laws promoting fossil fuel development, which the plaintiffs argue jeopardize their health and violate their constitutional right to life. In November 2022, Judge Robert Faust dismissed the youth plaintiffs' case, preventing them from presenting evidence on how the State's fossil fuel policies harm their health and violate their rights. Undeterred, the plaintiffs appealed the dismissal. In a rare and significant judicial move, the Utah Supreme Court retained the appeal, signaling its recognition of the case’s constitutional importance.
Wednesday’s arguments marked the first time a high court in the United States has explored the right to life in the context of climate harms to children. Ever.
If allowed to proceed to trial, Natalie R. stands poised to set new precedent for energy policy and constitutional rights. The youth plaintiffs remained resolute on Wednesday, underscoring the urgent need for justice and transformative change in Utah’s energy policies.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Supreme Court deliberates on whether to reverse the dismissal and put this case back on the path towards trial where it belongs! We also invite you to read a note from Co-Executive Director Mat dos Santos about the Utah hearing here.
This month, we invite you to learn about the people, the progress, and the history-making protection of children’s rights to a safe climate, powered by Our Children’s Trust.
