The Courage of Youth

Lighthiser v. Trump

With today’s constant stream of Big and Beautiful caca de toro from Washington D.C. capturing headlines and mind share, you may have missed this news out of Montana:  A group of young people is taking President Trump to court.

At the heart of Lighthiser v. Trump are the Federal government’s climate and energy policies – including three new Executive Orders that promise to create more emissions from fossil fuels –  that plaintiffs' claim violate young peoples’ rights to life, liberty, and health under the Fifth Amendment.

Nothing quite like breathing wildfire smoke to harsh out your health.

The judge is currently deliberating the case, and I'll be sure to keep you posted on the outcome.

The plaintiffs are requesting that the judge in the case block three energy-related executive orders while their litigation continues.   Those Executive Orders are:

Executive Order 14154 Unleashing American Energy

Executive Order 14156 Declaring a National Energy Emergency

Executive Order 14261 Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry

Nineteen-year-old Eva Lighthiser of Livingston, Montana, is the lead plaintiff in the case, which includes 21 other young people ranging in age from 7 to 25 and hailing from the states of Hawaii, Oregon, California, Florida, and Montana.

If you’d like a deeper dive on the case, you can get much more in this article by Katie Fairbanks in the Montana Free Press.

Some think this case is a long shot, and you might too, but don’t be so sure.  As I’ve covered here in the past (Showdown at the Climate Corral), these kids and their attorneys at Our Children’s Trust have a track record for winning high-profile climate cases on similar grounds (See Held v. State of Montana).

In a world where U.S. Senators run scared and corporate leaders are cowed, it’s stirring to see our youth take up the mantle of challenging President Trump on climate change.

It’s also inspiring to see the committed work of nonprofit lawyers, like those at Our Children’s Trust, who enable this type of legal challenge.

Speaking of which:  There currently is a matching funds challenge to help Our Children’s Trust and the 22 young plaintiffs continue this fight.

I just made a small contribution – how about you?

Godspeed, friends.

Russ

💬 Think About It

"There's nothing that can help you understand your beliefs more than trying to explain them to an inquisitive child." Frank A. Clark

💥 Quick Hits

• Get wired up with gear for good – Here's early help on holiday gifting (or just because) with a list of 20 eco-friendly products that are good for the planet – and good for you. (Wired)
• When Cupid doesn't equal Cupidity – Cupidity. A new word to me and perhaps for you? It means "greed for money or possessions." Interesting that it rhymes with stupidity. Seems right for the times.

• The power of small – Learn how small businesses are making global change through everyday actions by joining B1G1. (Chris Marquis, Forbes)

Find the Most Meaningful Work of Your Career

Our partner One Work has you covered with opportunities that go beyond a paycheck, a cubicle, or a weekly team Zoom call. You'll find purposeful jobs like those below at the One Work job board.

• Ocean Conservancy - Put your writing chops to work for one of the leading organizations working to create a healthy ocean and a thriving planet. Development Writer, Washington, DC.

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• Crisis Text Line - Put your talent to work for an organization with a mission to provide FREE, 24/7, confidential mental health support via text. Senior Data Product Manager, REMOTE.

 Need help in some way? Have a story idea, question, or request? Perhaps a social entrepreneur we should interview? Let us know – We're here to help. Just reply to this email with whatever you've got. We'll see you next week.