Current:Home > FinanceHawaii settles climate change lawsuit filed by youth plaintiffs -Ascend Wealth Education
Hawaii settles climate change lawsuit filed by youth plaintiffs
View
Date:2025-04-12 13:27:22
HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii’s governor and lawyers for youth plaintiffs on Thursday announced they settled a lawsuit alleging Hawaii violated the state constitution by operating a transportation system that harmed the climate and infringed upon the children’s right to a clean and healthy environment.
The settlement reached in Navahine v. Hawaii Department of Transportation recognizes children’s constitutional rights to a life-sustaining climate, Gov. Josh Green and attorneys at the public interest law firms Our Children’s Trust and Earthjustice said in separate statements.
The agreement confirms the department’s commitment to plan and implement changes to reach the state’s goal of net-negative emissions by 2045, the governor said.
The parties said the settlement was the first between a state government and youth plaintiffs to address constitutional issues arising from climate change.
The plaintiffs were aged 9 through 18 at the time the lawsuit was filed in June 2022. Their complaint said the department consistently prioritized building highways over other types of transportation.
The lawsuit said one plaintiff, a 14-year-old Native Hawaiian raised in Kaneohe, was from a family that has farmed taro for more than 10 generations. But extreme droughts and heavy rains caused by climate change reduced crop yields and threatened her ability to continue this cultural practice.
Rising sea levels also threatened to put their lands underwater, the complaint said.
In Montana, the state Supreme Court earlier this year upheld a landmark climate ruling that said regulators must consider the effects of greenhouse gas emissions when issuing permits for fossil fuel development. That case also was filed by youth plaintiffs.
veryGood! (258)
Related
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- DirecTV just launched the Gemini Air—its new device for 4K content streaming
- DeSantis faces rugged comeback against Trump, increased AI surveillance: 5 Things podcast
- Phoenix sees temperatures of 110 or higher for 31st straight day
- A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
- Pee-wee Herman creator Paul Reubens dies at 70
- Cycling Star Magnus White Dead at 17 After Being Struck By Car During Bike Ride
- Appellate court rules that Missouri man with schizophrenia can be executed after all
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Author Iyanla Vanzant Mourns Death of Youngest Daughter
Ranking
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Kim Pegula visits Bills training camp, her first public appearance since cardiac arrest
- Ukraine again reported bringing war deep into Russia with attacks on Moscow and border region
- Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens dies from cancer at 70
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Who’s in, who’s out: A look at which candidates have qualified for the 1st GOP presidential debate
- Pennsylvania governor says millions will go to help train workers for infrastructure projects
- 1st stadium built for professional women's sports team going up in Kansas City
Recommendation
EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
Fans pay tribute to Coco Lee, Hong Kong singer who had international success
Wisconsin judge dismisses lawsuit over military voting lists
Mother who killed two children in sex-fueled plot sentenced to life in prison, no parole
EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
California juvenile hall on lockdown after disturbance of youth assaulting staff
Georgia resident dies from rare brain-eating amoeba, likely infected while swimming in a lake or pond
Robert Chambers, NYC’s ‘Preppy Killer,’ is released after 15 years in prison on drug charges