A group of 18 California children is making legal waves by suing the US Environmental Protection Agency for its apparent role in fueling the climate crisis. Filed as Genesis B v EPA, the lawsuit accuses the EPA of knowingly allowing high levels of emissions from various sources, endangering the health and future of children.
The young plaintiffs, aged eight to 17, are supported by the nonprofit law firm Our Children’s Trust, known for its youth-driven climate cases. They aim to hold the EPA accountable for its actions, particularly its failure to curb emissions that pose significant risks to their well-being and lives.
“There is one federal agency explicitly tasked with keeping the air clean and controlling pollution to protect the health of every child and the welfare of a nation – the EPA,” Julia Olson, founder of Our Children’s Trust, said in a statement. “The agency has done the opposite when it comes to climate pollution and it’s time the EPA is held accountable by our courts for violating the US Constitution and misappropriating its congressionally delegated authority.”
“We are running from wildfires, being displaced by floods, panicking in hot classrooms during another heatwave. We feel a constant worry about the future, and all around us no one is moving fast enough,” Noah, a 15-year-old plaintiff, said in a statement
While the EPA refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation, legal experts view this lawsuit as an important step in leveraging the legal system to demand climate justice. Let's follow it closely!
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I applaud their dedication and efforts
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Amazing to see young kids have it in them to hold their environmental agencies accountable for laxity and neglect of duty.
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Great to see the children empowered to stop climate injustices. To Oue Children's Trust kudos, more support should be given to them for standing for the climate.
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This lawsuit is a pivotal moment in the fight for climate justice.
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Great seeing young children taking charge of their future by holding the EPA to account for their negligence in checking for emissions and stopping them
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The time is now.. From young to old. Its good to see such young souls very concerned about our planet
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Thanks to you @our_children_s_trust for lifting kids voices! Good luck!!!
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I commend the courage and initiative of these young plaintiffs in holding the EPA accountable for its role in perpetuating the climate crisis.
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It's concerning to see children having to sue the EPA over their role in the climate crisis. It highlights the urgency of addressing environmental issues for the sake of future generations.
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This is quite impressive as children holds the future of our climate change
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The Free & Open University of Eco-Sustainability - Schedule - Saturday Dec 16, 2-4pm PST - 2023 • Climate Change: We Owe An Explanation To Our Children • By Eliot Jacobson • Group Focus on Eco-Sustainability • • Reduced Human Footprint below 1.0 Earth per capita • Massive Eco-Sustainable Education in Schools & Universities • Universal Eco-Sustainable Green Income #UGI • Passive Solar Homes • Rooftop Solar • Rainwater Harvesting • Solar Cooking & Solar Hot Water • Greywater, Compost Toilets & Biomass • Organic Farming No Dig No Till • Eliminate Plastics, Fossil Fuels, Pollutants, Synthetic Chemicals, Pesticides, PFAs, GMOs group facebook.com/groups/1840973649369465 live stream facebook.com/events/368421842225144/ podcast on facebook group as soon as session ends PM for meeting URL or watch on FB LIVE (C) GNU Commons Attribution - Copyright Expressly Forbidden #ecosustainability @everyone
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The youth-led movement to address climate change is a powerful force for change and must be supported.
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@gorffly_mokua supporting this kids builds up their confidence and asserts their sense of right and wrong.
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The lawsuit filed by California children against the EPA, accusing it of contributing to the climate crisis, reflects a growing movement where youth demand accountability for environmental actions. Supported by Our Children’s Trust, this legal challenge emphasizes the urgent need to address emissions for the well-being and future of young generations. It underscores the role of legal avenues in pursuing climate justice and signals a significant development worth monitoring closely
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Glad to see children take action against a body that has watched as the environment is trampled upon.
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@munene_mugambi this shows that they have a voice too and it's very paramount
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@munene_mugambi This inspires!
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Well done Our Children's Trust for supporting the young plaintiffs to seek climate justice.
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@princess_nel_268 This a big challenge to adults now! Let them join their children in demanding for climate justice!
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@princess_nel_268 sure thing