Young Alaskans sue state over fossil fuel project they claim violates their rights

The challengers, aged 11 to 22, argue that the proposal — and that legislation in particular — violates two sections of the Alaska constitution: the right to protected natural resources for “current and future generations”, and the right to be free from government infringement on life, liberty and property

Summer Sagoonick, named plaintiff: "I find importance in the roots that my ancestors have created, and the knowledge passed down by generations. I joined this lawsuit to protect a future, not only for myself, but for generations to come." 

Eight young people are suing the government of Alaska — America's fastest-warming state — claiming a major new fossil fuel project violates their state constitutional rights.

The state-owned Alaska Gasline Development Corporation has proposed a $38.7bn (approx €35.7bn) gas export project that would roughly triple the state’s greenhouse gas emissions for decades, the lawsuit says. Scientists have long warned that fossil fuel extraction must be swiftly curbed to secure a livable future.