Eight young Alaskans are urging the state’s Supreme Court to take up their lawsuit against a proposed liquefied natural gas project, arguing it violates their constitutional right to a livable climate.
The brief in Sagoonick v. State of Alaska II comes three months after a Superior Court judge dismissed the case, finding that the court lacked the authority and the ability to weigh the competing economic and environmental issues raised by the proposed project, which would ship LNG from the North Slope to Asian markets.
In their appeal, the youth argue the ruling undermines the courts’ constitutional role. They also say it would make it more difficult to challenge government actions that threaten the livelihoods of young people.
The youth have asked for a reversal of the ruling and the chance to present evidence supporting their claims.
