Eva Lighthiser Leads Youth Climate Lawsuit Against President Trump

Twenty-three youth plaintiffs, led by 20-year-old Eva Lighthiser, have sued President Donald Trump, alleging that a series of executive orders promoting fossil-fuel production breach constitutional protections for present and future generations. The suit follows the 2023 Held v Montana victory, in which a state court affirmed a right to a clean environment, and cites a recent poll showing 90 % of Montanans—82 % of Republicans—prioritize conservation. Plaintiffs also reference $128 million in flood damages to the Yellowstone River area as evidence of the harms they seek to prevent.

The Guardian

U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen dismissed the case in the fall, describing the plaintiffs’ request to block multiple orders as “unworkable” and beyond the court’s jurisdiction. Our Children’s Trust founder Julia Olson, when asked about a potential Supreme Court appeal, warned that “the answer has never been to step back from the courthouse door.” The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over Montana, has not yet issued a ruling on reinstatement.

The Guardian

Environmental law scholar Pat Parenteau cautioned that the suit may constitute judicial overreach, arguing that courts lack the authority to restructure the nation’s energy system and are unlikely to entertain such sweeping requests. He warned that an adverse Supreme Court ruling could curtail future climate litigation, describing the strategy as risky for the judiciary.

The Guardian

Lighthiser recounts that floods in 2018 and 2022 devastated the Shields and Yellowstone Rivers, causing $128 million in damages and prompting community clean-up efforts she described as “a really special thing.” She links those local experiences to the broader purpose of youth-led climate litigation.

The Guardian

The Ninth Circuit’s pending decision creates uncertainty about whether the federal case will be reinstated, and experts differ on the likelihood of Supreme Court support for the plaintiffs’ broad constitutional claims.

The Guardian

• “We are challenging this administration for sacrificing the lives of myself and my fellow plaintiffs by expanding fossil fuels for the sake of power,” — Eva Lighthiser, Plaintiff

The Guardian

• “My future feels uncertain,” — Eva Lighthiser, Plaintiff

The Guardian

• “The courts are not able to reform the energy system of the United States, and they’re not going to entertain requests for them to do that,” — Pat Parenteau, Environmental Law Expert, Vermont Law School

The Guardian

• “Look, it’s our last name next to the president’s last name,” — Erica Lighthiser, Mother of Plaintiff

The Guardian

• “If we don’t use our constitution, we will lose it,” — Pat Parenteau, Environmental Law Expert

The Guardian

The Ninth Circuit is expected to issue a ruling on reinstatement later in 2026. If the appeal succeeds, Our Children’s Trust may petition the Supreme Court, a step that could shape the trajectory of youth climate litigation nationwide.

The Guardian