January 16-20, 2026: Bipartisan Coalition of Legal Scholars and Experts File Amicus Briefs in Support of the Youth Plaintiffs

Former senior U.S. government officials, legal scholars, climate scientists, faith leaders, children’s rights scholars, and environmental law experts filed 8 amicus briefs supporting the youth plaintiffs’ appeal, which seeks to overturn the lower court’s decision dismissing the case.  

The briefs come as the Ninth Circuit considers whether the judiciary has a duty to act as a check on executive actions that knowingly accelerate fossil fuel pollution and harm the plaintiffs, violating their right to life. The amici bring significant expertise in supporting the youth plaintiffs’ standing to proceed with their case, and the constitutional imperative that the judiciary respond to this important controversy over executive conduct that injures children. 

Together, the eight briefs underscore widespread concern for the health, safety, and constitutional rights of these young Americans and highlight broad support for allowing the plaintiffs’ claims to proceed. 

Read all the briefs here