Federal Judge Says Court Should Not Dismiss Youths’ Climate Change Suit

"A federal magistrate judge in Eugene said Friday that a potential landmark lawsuit filed against the U.S. government by a group of environmentally minded youth plaintiffs and a leading climate scientist should be allowed to proceed in court.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Tom Coffin wrote in a 24-page ­decision that motions to dismiss the suit — which were filed by the government and trade groups representing many of the world’s largest energy companies — should be denied.

Coffin wrote that it would be premature to throw out the case, which seeks to require federal officials to drastically reduce emissions that many scientists say contribute to climate change."

Jack Moran reports for the Eugene Register-Guard April 9, 2016.