Description: Lawsuit brought by youth plaintiffs against State of Utah and State defendants claiming that the State's fossil fuel development policies violate the plaintiffs' substantive due process rights.
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Natalie R. v. State
Case Documents:
Filing Date Type File Action Taken Summary 03/15/2022 Complaint Download Complaint filed. Youth Plaintiffs Claimed Utah Fossil Fuel Policy Violated Due Process Rights. Youth plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in Utah state court alleging that the State of Utah and other State defendants violated their substantive due process rights to life and liberty under the Utah Constitution by maximizing, promoting, and systematically authorizing the development of fossil fuels. The plaintiffs alleged that the State’s “Fossil Fuel Development Policy” and the defendants’ implementation of the Policy caused and contributed to dangerous air quality and climate change that harmed the plaintiffs, and that the youth plaintiffs were “disproportionately vulnerable to the harms of the climate crisis.” The plaintiffs also contended that the defendants had long-standing knowledge (since the 1960s) of the air quality and climate change dangers of fossil fuels. The plaintiffs sought declaratory relief—which the plaintiffs alleged “would substantially influence and stop the conduct of Defendants”—and attorneys’ fees and costs.