Youth Climate Lawsuit Challenges Trump’s Fossil Fuel Agenda as Threat to Constitutional Rights

 

Twenty-Two Young Americans Sue Trump Over Climate Destruction, Call It a “Death Sentence” for Their Generation

In a bold and urgent legal challenge, twenty-two young Americans are suing Donald Trump over his catastrophic climate policies, accusing him of endangering their future and violating their constitutional rights.

“This isn’t something I want to do — it’s something I have to do,” said plaintiff Eva Lighthiser. “Trump’s fossil fuel orders are a death sentence for my generation. My health, my future, and my right to speak the truth are all under attack. He’s waging war on us with fossil fuels as his weapon, and we’re fighting back with the Constitution.”

The lawsuit, filed in Montana, targets Trump’s reckless executive orders that declared a so-called "National Energy Emergency" — a move that fast-tracks fossil fuel expansion at the cost of environmental safety and human life. Plaintiffs in the case come from across the country, including Montana, Hawaii, Oregon, California, and Florida — states already feeling the heat of the climate crisis.

“Our children are entitled to the same constitutional rights to life and liberty as adults,” said Dan Snyder, Director of the Environmental Enforcement Project at Public Justice. “Yet they’re being forced to shoulder the consequences of a destabilized climate they had no role in creating. President Trump’s orders are both unlawful and intolerable — and these youth plaintiffs are demanding justice.”

The suit claims that Trump’s actions violate the Fifth Amendment by deliberately worsening the climate crisis and robbing young Americans of their right to a livable future.

Let’s be clear: Trump’s presidency has been an environmental disaster. He’s openly aligned with fossil fuel corporations, and his latest “big, beautiful bill” slashes desperately needed clean energy tax credits. He’s gutting progress, knowing full well he won’t be around to face the consequences — and betting that his wealthy allies and heirs will be shielded from the worst devastation.

But this generation isn’t staying silent. The fight to hold Trump accountable is underway — and it couldn’t come at a more critical moment.