Environmental Activism by Court Order: The Dangerous and Faulty Approach of Atmospheric Trust Litigation

Americans are blessed to live in a democratic republic. Individuals and organizations that seek to effect political change must garner votes by making their cases to elected officials or the people themselves. But radical environmentalists have discovered that when votes on legislative proposals and referenda do not turn out in their favor, there is a backdoor to political power. Litigation is indispensable for resolving disputes, compensating injured parties, and keeping watch over government actions. Yet for decades this tool has been abused by climate activists seeking to shut down all energy development and transportation by suing each individual project. In a more recent development, the green left has embarked on a reckless crusade to enact sweeping societal changes through court order in a coordinated campaign called atmospheric trust litigation.