March 4, 2026: Youth Present Oral Arguments Before Alaska Supreme Court

The youth plaintiffs and their attorneys appeared before the Alaska Supreme Court to urge the Court to reverse the dismissal of their case and send the case back to trial so they can present evidence demonstrating that the state-mandated project violates their constitutional rights. 

The justices questioned both parties about the scope of judicial review, the separation of powers, and whether Alaska courts have the authority to determine if laws mandating fossil fuel expansion violate constitutional protections. 

Attorneys for the youth argued that the lower court erred when it ruled that the State’s mandate to pursue the project is beyond judicial review. They emphasized that Alaska’s Constitution guarantees young people the rights to due process, equal access to public trust resources, and a climate system capable of sustaining human life. 

Watch the court’s recording of oral arguments here. 

Read a recap of the hearing here.

Watch a recap and hear from the lawyers and plaintiffs here.