Young Alaskans file lawsuit to halt massive gas export project

Eight Alaskan youths are suing the state over a $38.7 billion gas export project, arguing it violates their constitutional rights by exacerbating climate change.

Dharna Noor reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• The Alaska LNG Project includes a gas treatment plant, an 800-mile pipeline, and a liquefaction plant, which will significantly increase the state's greenhouse gas emissions.
• Plaintiffs, aged 11 to 22, claim the project infringes on their rights to natural resources and protection from government overreach, as stated in the Alaska constitution.
• The lawsuit, filed by Our Children’s Trust, aims to prevent the state from proceeding with the project and establish a legal precedent for climate justice.

Key quote:

“The acceleration of climate change that this project will bring will affect what the land provides and brings to my culture.”

— Summer Sagoonick, lead plaintiff in the case and a member the Iñupiaq tribe

Why this matters:

This case illustrates the legal battles young people are waging to protect their future from the impacts of climate change. The outcome could set a significant precedent for environmental justice and state responsibility.

Be sure to read EHN’s related coverage:

• The court orders dismissal of a youth-led climate lawsuit against the US government
• Young Californians sue EPA for environmental rights
• Youth at the forefront of climate change litigation