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The Natalie R. youth plaintiffs

Friends, Partners and Supporters,

We have exciting news to share! We’ve just received an opinion from the Utah Supreme Court in Natalie v. State of Utah. The decision brings real, concrete wins and a clear path forward for the case.

Three Big Takeaways

There are three big takeaways from the opinion:
* First, the Court delivered a major win in interpreting the state’s energy policy. The ruling confirms that Utah’s energy laws do not require the state to continue to rubber stamp fossil fuel projects. The government agencies in charge of regulating fossil fuel development have full authority to deny permits and phase out fossil fuel development because of climate change to protect the health of Utah’s citizens.
* Second, in the wake of our lawsuit, Utah’s legislature amended Utah’s energy policy statute in 2024 to remove the mandate for the government to promote fossil fuels. This means the case has already led to significant policy reform, with the Court ruling that the amendments mean the State can stop permitting fossil fuel development and start making energy decisions that protect the air and climate youth depend upon.
* And third, the decision leaves the door open for the youth to continue their case by reworking it to challenge specific state fossil fuel activities. The Court ruled that the lower court was wrong to dismiss the case “with prejudice,” and that the Natalie plaintiffs can amend their complaint.

Excerpts from the ruling

A Step Towards Recognition of Climate Rights

The Court accepted the facts as true around climate change and its impacts on the health of children. The Court also accepted the fact that Utah’s fossil fuel development is accelerating. The Utah Supreme Court understood that the merits of those issues are for a later day, and that it is the role of the trial court to consider plaintiffs’ claims against specific fossil fuel activities the state has authorized. This is democracy at work and a huge moment in the fight to secure youths’ fundamental climate rights.
Attorney to the plaintiffs Andrew Welle

Next Steps: A Path to Victory

The Natalie youth plaintiffs will now refine their case, amending the complaint following the Court’s guidance.


We will continue exposing how state officials are expanding fossil fuel development, despite their clear power to stop it, now backed by this important ruling from the Utah Supreme Court.


We’ll also work closely with our partners to ensure this ruling provides a new tool to pressure state leaders into action—no longer can they claim that the law ties their hands.

The youth plaintiffs are determined to fight for a safe climate in Utah and secure their constitutional rights to life, health, safety, and longevity.

Together, let’s move their case to trial. Every contribution ([link removed]) brings us one step closer to justice!

Onward!

The Team at Our Children’s Trust
Named plaintiff Natalie R.
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