October 22, 2020: Claims Denied

The majority opinion of the Oregon Supreme Court denied the claims of the youth plaintiffs.

However, a powerful dissent written by Chief Justice Martha Walters recognized the “ravages of climate change” and affirmed “the judicial branch has an important constitutional role to play and should declare the governing law.” Departing from the Supreme Court majority’s unwillingness to declare the law and duty of government at this urgent time of climate crisis, Justice Walters declared that “the time is now.”