Climate Change and the Public Trust Doctrine in Oregon: A Law Professors' Amicus Brief

Abstract

This brief to the Oregon Supreme Court supports youth plaintiffs' claims that the state's failure to develop and implement a scientifically based plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid a climate catastrophe violates the state's public trust doctrine. The brief reviews the history and application of the state's public trust doctrine in some detail. One-hundred and seven law professors from all over the country and the world signed on to the brief.