Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—May 2, 2012.
WHAT: Court Hearing on the Defendants’ Motions to Dismiss the Federal Atmospheric Trust Litigation case (Alec L. v. Jackson, D.D.C., No. 11-CV-022235, 12/14/11). The case was filed by youth plaintiffs with the iMatter Movement. These young people from across the country are being impacted by climate change now and are standing up for future generations by arguing that the Federal government has a constitutional obligation under the Public Trust Doctrine to protect the atmosphere from harmful greenhouse gases. They do not seek monetary damages, but ask that the government immediately create and implement a scientifically viable emissions reduction plan.
The court will decide whether the youth plaintiffs can sue their government for its failure to protect the atmosphere as a public resource, under the Public Trust Doctrine. The doctrine requires sovereign governments to manage and protect vital natural resources for the common benefit of their citizens and future generations. Industry interests have intervened in the case, arguing that corporations have the right to emit unlimited carbon regardless of the environmental and human impacts.
If the judge rules in their favor, youth plaintiffs will be able to make their case before the court and demonstrate that the federal government must immediately develop a nation-wide climate recovery plan because any further delay will increase the chance that carbon emissions push us beyond climate tipping points.
WHEN/ WHERE: Hearing: Friday, May 11 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Courtroom 17, 6th Floor, Judge Robert Wilkins, 33 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
Rally will be held outside courthouse, beginning at 8:30 am. Youth Activist/Plaintiff Alec Loorz and Author/Activist David Swanson will be speaking to the crowds who are mobilizing to support the youth plaintiffs.
Pre-hearing Event: Thursday, May 10 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Busboys and Poets 1025 5th St NW, Washington D.C. 20001
Attorneys, plaintiffs and activists will discuss the merits of the case and screen short documentaries about the brave youth from across the country who are going to court to compel the government to protect our atmosphere, in trust, for future generations.
WHY: Plaintiffs want the federal government to protect the atmosphere for their future, which is threatened by the climate crisis. Six federal agencies, the fossil fuel industry, the trucking industry, and nearly every sector of American manufacturing are working together to deny these youth an opportunity to present their case in court.
The hearing on the Motions to Dismiss coincides with the one-year anniversary of the launch of the legal action as part of the international iMatter Trust Campaign. The youth plaintiffs launched the campaign on May 4, 2011 by filing legal actions in 49 states and the District of Columbia, along with the federal lawsuit. The filings were accompanied by the iMatter March, international solidarity youth marches empowering youth to stand up for their future in over 175 marches in 45 countries.
To watch Stories of TRUST: Calling for Climate Recovery, the 10-part series of short documentaries highlighting the stories of the youth plaintiffs, please visit www.ourchildrenstrust.org.
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/202436433204186/
Facebook Page: facebook.com/iMatterMarch
