Utah Youth File Lawsuit Against State Over Fossil Fuel Permits

On December 1, 2025, ten young Utah residents initiated a lawsuit aimed at blocking state permits for coal, gas, and oil development. This action follows the Utah Supreme Court's earlier dismissal of a similar youth-led constitutional climate lawsuit. The plaintiffs, supported by Our Children's Trust, are suing the Utah Board of Oil, Gas, and Mining, the Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining, and its director, Mick Thomas. The lawsuit asserts that the state’s permitting of fossil fuel development violates their constitutional rights to life, health, and safety.

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The complaint highlights the severe air quality issues in Utah, particularly in the Salt Lake City metro area, which received an "F" grade for ground-level ozone and particle pollution in the American Lung Association's annual report. Lead plaintiff Natalie Roberts, 18, expressed her concerns, stating, "Some days I can't even go outside because the air is so polluted." The lawsuit details the health impacts on the plaintiffs, including asthma attacks, chest pain, and anxiety related to environmental degradation. Other plaintiffs, such as 21-year-old Sedona Murdock and brothers Otis and Lev W., also reported serious health issues stemming from poor air quality and climate-related events, including flooding and extreme heat.

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This lawsuit builds on a previous case filed in 2022, which was dismissed but later allowed to be refiled after the Utah Supreme Court's ruling in 2023. The current case narrows its focus specifically to fossil fuel permitting, contrasting with the broader energy policy addressed in the earlier lawsuit. The plaintiffs are seeking a court declaration that the permits are unconstitutional and a review or revocation of existing permits.

Salt Lake TribuneCommon Dreams

Andrew Welle, the lead attorney for the plaintiffs, emphasized the urgency of the case, stating, "The state cannot continue issuing fossil fuel permits that put children's lives and health in jeopardy." The plaintiffs are advocating for the court to hold Utah accountable for its constitutional obligations to protect youth from the adverse effects of air pollution and climate change.

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While the lawsuit has garnered support from environmental advocates, state officials have not publicly commented on the case. Critics of fossil fuel development argue that the state’s current policies prioritize economic interests over public health and environmental sustainability.

Salt Lake Tribune

The court is expected to review the lawsuit, which could set a significant precedent for how states address fossil fuel permits in relation to public health and environmental impacts. Similar cases in other states, such as Montana, have already begun to influence legal standards regarding climate accountability.

Salt Lake Tribune

• “We’re fighting for our lives and asking the court to protect us before it’s too late.” — Natalie Roberts, Lead Plaintiff

Salt Lake Tribune

• “This case is about holding Utah accountable to its constitutional obligations to protect youth from serious harm caused by air pollution, climate impacts, and unsafe fossil fuel development.” — Andrew Welle, Lead Attorney

Salt Lake Tribune

• “Unfortunately, too many people in the Salt Lake City metro area are living with unhealthy levels of ozone and particle pollution,” — Nick Torres, Advocacy Director, American Lung Association

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