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Dear John,

Today, ten courageous youth in Utah took a bold stand by filing Roberts v. Board of Oil, Gas, and Mining ([link removed]) , a second constitutional lawsuit against their state and state agencies for issuing fossil fuel permits that violate their constitutional rights.

These young people—directly harmed by coal, oil, and gas development—are demanding that the courts halt these permits and protect their rights guaranteed under the Utah Constitution: The right to life. The right to health. The right to safety.

STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF THEIR PREVIOUS ACTION

Many of these youth were also part of Natalie R. v. State of Utah, a youth-led case in which the Utah Supreme Court offered them a path to challenge specific state actions that promote fossil fuel development. The Court acknowledged the scale of fossil fuel extraction in Utah and clarified that, to receive meaningful relief, the plaintiffs needed to target particular government conduct.

Today’s lawsuit heeds that guidance, and the youth are now challenging over 300 permits issued by the Utah Board of Oil, Gas, and Mining and the Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining that:
* Allow dangerous air pollution without assessing full impacts on health and climate
* Ignore safer, cleaner alternatives like wind and solar energy
* Endanger Utah youth while claiming to meet energy needs that could be fulfilled more safely and affordably

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Utah youth already live in some of the nation’s worst air quality and face severe climate threats, including deadly heat waves, wildfires and smoke, exceptional drought, and elevated health risks. They are already experiencing:
* Asthma attacks and respiratory distress
* Cognitive and neurological impacts
* Increased anxiety and depression
* Disrupted schooling and outdoor activities

Every day these permits are issued, Utah’s youth face real, measurable harms.

Their lawsuit shows that young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow—they are democracy’s heartbeat today.
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From Utah to Canada, Florida to Alaska, your gift powers the legal expertise, trauma-informed support, and strategic advocacy that amplify youth voices and defend democracy.

Give now to stand with Utah youth and children everywhere defending their rights to life, health, and safety.
DONATE NOW ([link removed])

In solidarity,

The Team at Our Children’s Trust
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Copyright © 2025 Our Children's Trust. All rights reserved.
OCT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN # 27-3094382
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